Energy

Iraqi oil exports stagnate at two-decade lows as wartime restrictions persist

April oil sales fell to one-twelfth of pre-war volumes as Basra exports restarted and stalled, and northern exports hit a plateau.

A worker checks the valve gears of pipes linked to oil tanks at Turkey's Mediterranean port of Ceyhan, which is run by state-owned pipeline company Botas. (UMIT BEKTAS/Reuters)

Jun 29, 2015

North Oil Company leader assassinated

A senior official at the state-run North Oil Company, who was last year put forward to be the next director general, was assassinated as he left work on Sunday.

Jun 24, 2015

For IOCs seeking cash flow, KRG local market falls short

With Kurdistan's export pipeline tangled in politics, beleaguered oil producers hoped they could make ends meet with domestic sales – but demand has been uneven at best.

Jun 22, 2015

Kurdistan plans international bond pitch

The Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) is moving forward with a plan to raise money for stalled infrastructure projects by issuing bonds.

Jun 19, 2015

Currency volatility reflects Iraq economic woes

A brief but dramatic drop in the value of the Iraqi dinar is another worrying sign of the fragility of the country's economy.

Jun 18, 2015

New Basra Heavy crude raises exports – and complications

A new grade of Iraqi crude has helped unlock latent production capacity – and poses challenges to the country's infrastructure.

Jun 8, 2015

New Dhi Qar Oil Company close to reality

The Oil Ministry will soon formally request to capitalize and transfer assets to a new state oil company to manage the growing crude output of Dhi Qar province.

Jun 4, 2015

Q&A: Oil Minister Adil Abd al-Mahdi

On the sidelines of OPEC meetings, Abd al-Mahdi discusses Iraq's record exports, oil company payments, the relationship with Kurdistan, and new projects on the horizon.

Jun 2, 2015

Oil exports keep pushing record highs

After three straight months of record exports, the inauguration of the new Basra Heavy crude blend in June could unleash further growth.

May 27, 2015

Oil workers continue protest for shift changes

South Oil Company workers demand IOCs agree to alter work schedule despite government opposition.

May 14, 2015

Baghdad-Erbil oil deal strained by disappointing April payment

Despite boosting its federal export contributions in April, Kurdistan received a smaller budget payment, prompting outcry and urgent talks among top leaders.