Iraq sets January 2012 for its 4th energy auction (AP)



Iraqi Oil Minister Abdul-Karim Elaibi speaks to the press in Baghdad, Iraq, Monday, April 25, 2011. Iraq will auction off 12 mainly gas exploration blocs during a January 2012 bidding round as the country pushes ahead with efforts to beef up its energy sector, the oil minister said. (AP Photo/Karim Kadim)AP - Iraq will auction off 12 mainly gas exploration blocs during a January 2012 bidding round as the country pushes ahead with efforts to beef up its energy sector, the oil minister said Monday.