SOMO Deputy Director Hamdi Shingali Reveals Iraq’s Oil Roadmap

In an exclusive interview with Pulse Media, Hamdi Shingali, deputy director of Iraq’s State Organization for Marketing of Oil (SOMO), shared his experiences navigating a career across the U.S., Kurdistan, and Baghdad, highlighting the challenges of working in diverse economic and administrative environments.

He emphasized the crucial role SOMO plays in Iraq, ensuring the country can effectively market its oil, generate revenues, and support both the national and Kurdish regional economies.

Shingali described the organization as staffed with highly skilled, professional, and intelligent personnel, making his work both rewarding and impactful.

He also discussed the strategic return of major American energy companies like ExxonMobil and Chevron, noting how their presence contributes to economic stability, transparency, and political trust in Iraq.

Shingali stressed that successful operation in Iraq’s oil sector depends on market competitiveness, technological expertise, and efficient management, and he highlighted SOMO’s careful approach to evaluating partners to maximize benefits while navigating regional risks and competition from other international companies.