ST PETERSBURG, Russia, June 20 (Reuters) - Oil major BP is considering a lower target for peak output at Rumaila,Iraq's most prolific oilfield, key to the country's ambition toraise output, BP chief executive Bob Dudley told Reuters onThursday.
"It is something the government has asked us to do," Dudleysaid in the Russian city of St. Petersburg on the sidelines ofthe Rosneft annual general meeting.
Dudley is expected to take a seat on the board after BP'spurchase of a 20 percent stake in the state owned Russian oilproducer.
One set of scenarios ranges from 1.7 million to 2.4 millionbarrels per day (bpd), while the current target of 2.85 millionis still "mentioned" but the peaks would differ over time indifferent scenarios, Dudley said.
Iraq is aiming to produce 3.4 million bpd by the end ofthis year, up from around 3.1 million bpd now. "I think it'sdoable," Dudley said, adding next year's higher output targetwould depend on infrastructure developments. Iraq is aiming toproduce 4.5 million bpd by the end of 2014.