Digital Transformation in the Oil Sector: A New Step Toward Streamlining Government Procedures

As the Iraqi government moves toward digital transformation, the oil sector is experiencing significant progress in simplifying government services and procedures. Deputy Prime Minister for Energy Affairs and Minister of Oil, Eng. Hayan Abdul-Ghani Al-Sawad, has reaffirmed the ministry's commitment to achieving major advancements in this field by 2025, highlighting the importance of this step in enhancing performance and delivering more efficient services.

Launching the "Bikhidmatkum" E-Service Platform

During the annual conference on the achievements of the High Committee for Streamlining Government Procedures and Services, the launch of the "Bikhidmatkum" platform was announced. This digital platform aims to facilitate government transactions, expedite procedures, and reduce bureaucracy, which has long hindered service delivery.

Digital Achievements in the Oil Sector

The Ministry of Oil has made notable strides in adopting digital solutions, simplifying 35 government services in 2024 through modern technologies. Key achievements include:

• Electronic Fuel Supply Application: A new digital application enabling users to request fuel conveniently and transparently.
• E-Payments at Fuel Stations: A step toward reducing cash transactions and enhancing financial efficiency at fuel stations.
• Digital System for Adding LPG Systems to Vehicles: Integrated with the "Ur" government platform, simplifying the registration of vehicles that run on LPG as an alternative fuel.

Digital Transformation as a Pillar for Performance Enhancement

The Deputy Prime Minister for Energy Affairs emphasized that the ministry will not stop at these achievements but aims to expand digitalized services by reinforcing the use of:

• Electronic Signatures for authenticating official transactions and accelerating legal processes.
• Digital Systems for Oil Data Management, boosting operational efficiency within the ministry.
• E-Payments and Digital Governance to develop the oil sector in line with international standards.

Government Support and Future Vision

Dr. Aqeel Al-Khazali, Advisor to the Prime Minister and Chairman of the High Committee for Service Streamlining, praised the pioneering role of the Ministry of Oil in implementing digital solutions. He emphasized that these efforts reflect Iraq’s vision for e-governance, ensuring more transparent and efficient government services.

What Does This Mean for Citizens?

• Time and effort savings by completing transactions electronically, eliminating the need for repeated visits.
• Reduced bureaucracy through the use of smart platforms for streamlined procedures.
• Improved oil services via digital payment and registration systems.

The Digital Future of Iraq’s Oil Sector

As digital transformation progresses, the oil sector is expected to witness further developments, including full automation of operations, adoption of electronic signatures, and integration of all services into unified platforms. These steps reflect Iraq's ambition to achieve a major shift toward a more efficient and transparent digital future.

Will 2025 be the year of full digital transformation in the oil sector? The coming months will reveal more! 🚀