Kuwait has signed a deal with Iraq to import 50 million cubic feet of gas, according statements made by Oil Minister Essam al-Marzouq.

Speaking to Kuwait’s state-owned news service KUNA on Sunday he said that 50 million cubic feet was the equivalent of five per cent of Kuwait’s summer gas consumption.

Kuwait has seen a significant increase in gas demand over the last decade.

In 2009 the country started using a floating storage and regasification unit (FSRU) to import liquefied natural gas (LNG) to meet its gas needs.

Gas demand is significantly higher in Kuwait during the summer when more electricity generation is required to power air conditioning.

The floating gas import facilities are due to be replaced by a large onshore facility over the next decade.

Speaking on Sunday Essam Al-Marzouq also said that Kuwait’s compliance to the oil cuts deal that was brokered by Opec rose to 118 per cent at the end of last month.

Oil producing nations are due to meet next months to consider an extension to the oil cuts deal.