Iraqi state oil workers have tried to stop foreign workers entering the country's biggest oil field amid a country-wide dispute about pay, according to Iraq Oil Report.

State workers have been protesting for some time about receiving lower pay than their colleagues at fields run by the international oil companies.

In addition to the action at BP's Rumaila oilfield, an internal union memo said workers would also try to block foreign workers at ENI's Zubair field, and Shell's Majnoon, as part of a "boycott day". The workers are risking arrest, since unions and striking are illegal in the country.

A BP spokesman said any industrial action had no impact on operations. According to Iraq Oil Report, the action at Rumaila was averted following an appeal from Basra's governor.

(Sources: Iraq Oil Report, The Telegraph)