U.S. sanctions on Lukoil threaten Iraq oil production drop

There is no backup plan for operating the 480,000 bpd West Qurna-2 field, with some Iraqi officials worrying production might need to be cut within weeks.

A ceremony at the West Qurna 2 oil field in Basra to mark the opening of two new well complexes on June 1, 2023. (JASSIM AL-JABIRI/Iraq Oil Report)

Energy

October exports jump as northern pipeline resumes

Exports via Turkey boosted Iraqi oil sales while a deadly oil depot fire had only limited impact on southern volumes.

Politics

Political disunity clouds KRG fiscal and energy outlooks

Deadlocked talks over forming a new regional Cabinet highlight a bitter rivalry between two ruling parties that poses risks to Kurdistan's economy and energy sector.

Security

Deadly political divisions raise risks for Kurdistan

Rivalries between political leaders in Sulaimaniya have exploded into violence and undermined relations between Iraqi Kurdistan’s two ruling parties at a key political moment.

Interviews

Pre-election Q&A series: Raed Hamdan al-Maliki, independent MP

Ahead of a consequential election for Iraq’s energy sector, key political figures give their outlook on the upcoming vote and government-formation process.