A day before a fifth fields auction, Iraq’s sole successful gas field thus far from a previous bidding round is readied to supply much-needed gas to power plants. SIBA – Kuwait Energy is ready to begin commercial production at the Siba field – the first of three gas fields to come online from a 2010 bidding round – and is on track to reach its maximum flow to power plants by the end of the year. The field’s imminent start-up represents a win for Iraq’s energy sector as it struggles to develop the world’s 11th largest gas reserves, and it gives a boost to Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi and his electoral list, which includes Iraqi Oil Minister Jabbar al-Luiebi, ahead of national elections on May 12.