Energy

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)

Apr 5, 2012

Sanctioned Syrian firm qualifies for oil bid round

Iraq has qualified its 47th company eligible to bid in the May auction for exploration contracts, though it may be hampered by EU and US sanctions.

Apr 2, 2012

Beyond the Headlines: April 1, 2012

SOC workers demand profits Maliki fires Missan police chief Missan starts gas pipeline Anbar marks summit with protests

Mar 30, 2012

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.

Mar 29, 2012

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.

Mar 25, 2012

Beyond the Headlines: March 26, 2012

Missan begins new oil exploration Alleged refinery thieves arrested Naft Khana pipeline falters Kuwait arrests Iraqi fishermen

Mar 22, 2012

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.

Mar 19, 2012

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

Mar 18, 2012

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.

Mar 12, 2012

Beyond the Headlines: March 5-11

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

Mar 9, 2012

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.