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Energy

Cabinet approves revived plan for re-starting northern exports

A new deal for oil and budget cooperation between Baghdad and Erbil faces significant challenges to implementation, including crippling attacks on Kurdistan's oil sector.
Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani (right) meets with PUK President Bafel Talabani (left) in Baghdad in July 2025.

Baghdad courting BP in Kirkuk

After a two-day visit to Kirkuk field from BP, Iraqi oil officials say the British major is poised to submit a development proposal despite objections from Kurdish officials.

KRG oil deals buoyed by refinery plan

Kurdistan's export agreement with Baghdad is deteriorating and its production capacity is rising – so the region is relying more and more on an expanding refining sector.

SPM stopped, investigation ended

Iraq's new export system has been shut for maintenance after loading one tanker, while the IG has concluded an internal corruption review related to the Leighton contract.

Beyond the Headlines: March 12-18

Ex-OPEC ministers launch consultancy Suleimaniya refinery salaries stolen ENI accused of gold-plating Missan calls for de-mining funds

Exxon deals not frozen, KRG says

There is now a dispute over the intentions of ExxonMobil in Iraq, with the KRG discounting Baghdad's claims that the oil giant will put a hold on its production sharing contracts.

Beyond the Headlines: March 5-11

Anbar sues for phosphate rights Leadership crisis in Diyala Shell signs power plant deal Southern provinces reshuffle security

Exxon pressing forward on KRG, Qurna deals

Despite demands by Baghdad that it forsake the north - and US government pressure to freeze operations - CEO Tillerson says Exxon is moving forward on all its deals.

New export facility loads first oil

Iraq's new single point mooring filled its first tanker Thursday, kicking off a new phase of record exports and easing bottlenecks in the oil sector.