New exports hit technical delay

Tugboats position an SPM pump in the north Arabian Gulf as Iraq expands its export capacity. (ALI ABU IRAQ/Iraq Oil Report)

Iraq postponed its heralded public opening of a new export system, but major infrastructure plans are still moving forward, including a new $1 billion West Qurna 2 contract.

New Iraq oil exports by Jan. 31

Iraqi Oil Minister Abdul Karim al-Luaibi holds a jar of crude from the newly discovered Dima oil field in Missan province during a press conference Jan. 18, 2012, at the Oil Ministry in Baghdad. (BEN LANDO/Iraq Oil Report)

Iraq's Oil Ministry announced a timeline to bring new exports online, as well as its first new oil field discovery in 30 years, and 2011 oil and revenue statistics.

Energy sector weathers political crisis with minor delays

ABOT_tugboatandtanker2

Amidst a political breakdown, DPM Shahristani is taking a larger role, and the fourth bidding round and the start-up of new export infrastructure have been set back.

Energy

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Shell gets its gas deal

Shell deal signing resized

After years of negotiations, Shell inks a 25-year gas company joint venture with Iraq, making it the largest investor in the country's oil sector.

Business

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Iraq aims to reduce IOC red tape

Passengers wait to go through customs at Baghdad International Airport. (MOHAMMED AMEEN/Reuters)

PM Maliki has ordered his government to ease logistical restrictions that have slowed foreign oil development, though companies have not yet seen improvements.

Interviews

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Q&A: Hussain al-Shahristani

Iraqi Deputy Prime Minister for Energy Affairs Hussain al-Shahristani in his office in Baghdad. (BEN VAN HEUVELEN/Iraq Oil Report)

The government's top energy official discusses ExxonMobil's options, fourth bidding round contract models, and federalism.