Energy

Iraq races to finalize oil deals ahead of elections

Sudani administration activates a major contract with BP and strikes preliminary agreements with ExxonMobil and Chevron as national elections near and deal-making window starts to shut.

Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani (standing, center), BP CEO Murray Auchincloss (standing, left), and Oil Minister Hayyan Abdulghan (standing, right) oversee the signing of a deal for BP to rehabilitate Kirkuk oil fields and build gas processing and power generation infrastructure at a ceremony in Baghdad on March 26, 2025. (Photo credit: Prime Minister's Office)

Nov 13, 2011

Iraq threatens Exxon with blacklist

Top central government officials said Exxon's deal with the KRG for six blocks violates the West Qurna 1 contract and jeopardizes the company's future in Iraq.

Nov 11, 2011

Exxon risks West Qurna on new Kurdistan deals

Exxon Mobil has signed six exploration deals with Iraq's semi-autonomous Kurdistan region, testing Baghdad's blacklist rule.

Nov 9, 2011

Basra water, exports recover after pipeline spill

Lax maintenance is responsible for the pipeline leak that threatened Basra's water supply and contributed to a temporary drop in oil exports.

Nov 7, 2011

Beyond the Headlines: Oct. 31 – Nov. 6

More power deals cancelled Basra seeks UN backup in Kuwait dispute Missan begins electricity projects Security forces bolstered in Missan

Nov 3, 2011

Oil pipeline leak threatening Basra water supply

An old pipeline sending crude from the West Qurna 1 oil field to the Fao storage facility has ruptured, contaminating water supplies.

Nov 1, 2011

Wasted money, global concern over Iraq’s persistent gas flaring

The World Bank says Iraq's burning of associated gas is an environmental catastrophe that could erase progress made worldwide.

Oct 31, 2011

Beyond the Headlines: Oct. 24-30

OPEC hosts oil committee MPs Missan drills new wells UN envoy visits volatile Kirkuk Dhi Qar oil fire extinguished

Oct 28, 2011

Q&A: Anbar Governor Qasim Abid

The governor of Iraq's largest province talks about security amidst U.S. troop withdrawal and Syrian violence while multiplying energy sector investment.

Oct 27, 2011

Anbar sets terms for investment

Anbar's governor is aiming to create a business climate that attracts investment while putting his province's needs first.

Oct 26, 2011

Q&A: Vice President Tariq al-Hashimi

As the U.S. military prepares to withdraw, one of Iraq's vice presidents says the country's top security priorities include not only military restructuring but also investment and economic development.