In 1987, he became an advisor for the oil ministry.

"I don't think there is any worry" that levels will be raised, a Saudi official close to the oil ministry said.

The oil ministry had imposed a fine of 7000 Rs.

The Oil Ministry was considering doing the same now, he added.

The oil ministry did not return calls seeking comment.

The Oil Ministry has said that security at the fields is a top priority.

But he conceded that the oil ministry would eventually play an important role in the supply of raw materials.

The company would operate separately from the Oil Ministry and use a business model.

A representative of the Saudi oil ministry declined to comment on the reserve.

Iraq has an immense amount of oil, but no one knows in detail just how much is there, not even the country's oil ministry.