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)

Sep 9, 2011

Interview: Labor issues in the Iraqi economy

The International Labor Organization's chief technical adviser in Iraq discusses the country's struggles to bring its labor conditions up to a standard that can support the economy's booming growth.

Sep 8, 2011

Iraq OKs six new oil companies to bid in January

Six new companies, including two implicated in the Saddam Hussein-era Oil-for-Food scandal, will be allowed to participate in a January auction for 12 exploration blocks.

Aug 30, 2011

After contracting debacle, Shahristani to head Electricity Ministry

Hussain al-Shahristani is reprising his role as acting electricity minister, after Ra'ad Shalal al-Ani resigned amidst controversy.

Aug 29, 2011

Beyond the Headlines: Aug. 22-28

KRG signs power deal with Kirkuk MoU for Mosul refinery Southern autonomy gains key ally Basra blames Iran for salinity crisis

Aug 26, 2011

Iraq a trap for foreign workers

Lured to Iraq by promises of big pay, thousands of foreign workers are stuck in a purgatory of corruption, poor contracting oversight, and inadequate labor regulation.

Aug 22, 2011

Beyond the Headlines: Aug. 15-21

Shootout at West Qurna 2 Missan police leadership vacuum Dhi Qar leader under investigation Kirkuk smugglers thwarted

Aug 16, 2011

Contract for next auction in September

Iraq outlines the plan for the two-day roadshow next month where pre-qualified oil companies will get details on the 12 exploration blocks in the January auction.

Aug 15, 2011

Maliki officially requests Electricity Minister resignation

Minister is still at work, his office says, as the prime minister officially asks Parliament to begin the process removing him from office.

Aug 15, 2011

Beyond the Headlines: Aug. 8-14

Basra prepares for Shell gas deal More clashes between Missan, Baghdad Provinces chafe at power quotas Kirkuk governor favors SOFA extension

Aug 11, 2011

Karbala refinery deal could be downstream milestone

The Oil Ministry has entered an exclusive 6-month negotiating window with the Refinery of Karbala Corporation for a $6.5 billion deal that would boost Iraq’s lagging downstream sector.