Energy

Northern pipeline restart offers limited relief

A political breakthrough unlocks Iraq's only secondary pipeline export outlet, but volumes are capped by infrastructure constraints and security threats.

Welders work to repair the Iraqi side of the Iraq-Turkey Pipeline in March 2026. (Photo credit: NOC worker)

May 11, 2015

Q&A: Deputy Oil Minister Dhia Jaffar

The new refining chief says Karbala is on track, Missan is behind schedule, Nassiriya is open for offers, Kirkuk is ready for financing, and Basra can dip into petrodollars to build a new one.

May 7, 2015

Q&A: Basra Gov. Majid al-Nasrawi

The leader of Iraq's oil capital discusses economic development and security for Basrawis and oil companies.

May 6, 2015

Iraq exports continue upward trend

Oil sales climb again to records highs, as a new marketing structure and strengthening cooperation between Baghdad and Erbil spur growth.

Apr 10, 2015

Ramadi battles foreshadow bloody campaign for Anbar

As Iraqi leaders prepare a major operation to retake Anbar province, IS fighters overrun security forces in northern Ramadi.

Apr 2, 2015

Q&A: Finance Minister Hoshyar Zebari

Zebari discusses contract renegotiations with oil companies, financing Iraq's budget deficit, and building trust between Baghdad and Kurdistan.

Apr 2, 2015

March oil exports rebound to record levels

Iraq sold 2.98 million bpd in March – a 15 percent jump from February – increasing the cash-strapped government's monthly revenue by more than $1 billion.

Apr 1, 2015

Iraq oil contract renegotiations begin

The Oil Ministry is seeking to align IOC incentive structures with tight fiscal realities, but is not considering a switch to industry-favored production sharing contracts.

Mar 31, 2015

Seeking new revenue, Iraq revamps Basra oil marketing

By introducing a new blend of export oil, "Basra Heavy," the Oil Ministry hopes to raise both the quality and quantity of sales.

Mar 30, 2015

Officials from the Iraqi government and BP sign a newly amended contract for the development of the Rumaila oil field on Sept. 4, 2014. From left to right: Falah al-Amri, the director general of SOMO; Marc Hornbrook, the General Manager of the Rumaila project for BP; Dhia Jaffar, the director general of SOC; Thamer Ghadhban, advisor to the prime minister; and Bob Dudley, the CEO of BP. (ALI ABU IRAQ/Iraq Oil Report/Metrography)

SOC DG named one of four deputy ministers

Dhia Jaffar promoted as ministry names deputies for production, refining, gas and distribution.

Mar 26, 2015

KRG solidifies hold on Ain Zalah

Federal authorities have no communication with the small field they once controlled, as about 2,000 bpd of production is feeding Kurdistan's export pipeline.