Chinese firms dominate second day of 5-plus/6th bid round

Ten of the 12 projects awarded so far in Iraq's latest oil and gas contracting process have gone to Chinese companies, with one more day of bidding expected Monday.

Bids are submitted on the second day of the fifth-plus and sixth licensing round for oil and gas projects, on May 12, 2024, at the Oil Ministry headquarters in Baghdad. (Photo credit: Oil Ministry)

Energy

Iraq awards 7 new projects in first day of 5-plus/6th licensing round

Three-day event kicks off with awards to KAR Group and multiple Chinese firms. Bids on 20 more projects expected in the next two days.

Politics

Deadlock persists over three provincial governors

Leadership vacuums in Kirkuk, Salahaddin, and Diyala provinces highlight the challenges of identity-based politics to effective governance.

Security

Khor Mor resuming production after deadly attack

Key gas field that fuels most of Kurdistan's power generation is coming back online after urgent talks over security measures to deter chronic attacks.

Interviews

Q&A: Ali Shaddad al-Faris, member of the Parliament Oil and Gas Committee

The influential MP from Basra discusses oil disputes with Kurdistan, legislative priorities, and new energy projects in southern Iraq.