BP Denies Operating Iraq's Rumaila Oil Field Linked to Cancer Death of 21-Year-Old

British oil giant BP has denied operating the Rumaila oil field in Iraq, which is alleged to have caused the cancer death of 21-year-old Ali Julood. Ali's father, Hussein Julood, has launched legal action against BP, seeking compensation for his son's medical treatment, loss of earnings, funeral costs, and moral losses.

According to a claim letter, "toxic emissions from the Rumaila oilfield" caused Ali's leukemia. A BBC investigation in 2022 found that Ali's village, which lies within the Rumaila field, had high levels of cancer-causing pollutants known to come from flaring, the burning off of excess gas.

BP states it is a contractor at the Rumaila field, not the operator, and says it is supporting the lead contractor, Basra Energy Company Limited (BECL), in reducing flaring and emissions. The Iraqi government owns the Rumaila field, which has the highest known levels of flaring in the world.

Why this matters: This case represents the first known instance of individual legal action against a major oil firm over the practice of flaring. It highlights the potential health and environmental impacts of oil and gas operations, particularly in communities near extraction sites in the Global South.

Hussein Julood addressed the BP board one week after Ali's death in April 2023, demanding an end to gas flaring. However, flaring and black smoke have continued in the area, leading to several more cancer-related deaths since then. Julood argues that "as the lead contractor, BP holds partial responsibility" and hopes his case will prevent regular flaring, saving other families from suffering.

Key Takeaways

• BP denies operating Rumaila oil field in Iraq, linked to son's leukemia death.
• Ali Julood's father seeks compensation from BP for medical, funeral, and moral costs.
• BBC investigation found high levels of cancer-causing pollutants from Rumaila field flaring.
• BP is a contractor, not operator, and supports reducing flaring and emissions at Rumaila.
• This case represents the first known legal action against a major oil firm over flaring.