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)

Dec 2, 2010

Shahristani out of oil, in for Maliki deputy

New post to coordinate all energy policies allows PM Maliki to retain power in case he doesn't keep Oil Ministry.

Nov 30, 2010

Iraq to ease logistical, tariff burden for oil firms

As oil companies mobilize people and equipment for the coming oil boom, Iraq's minister of transportation talks about discounted tariffs for oil-sector imports and solving logistical problems at the ports.

Nov 25, 2010

From Dhi Qar’s streets to Baghdad

Dhi Qar police chief Sabah al-Fatlawi, rumored to be a major security ministries player in the coming government, on whether the promise of the oil money flowing into the streets can keep persistent violence at bay.

Nov 10, 2010

The dealmaker

Iraq Oil Report talks to the chief of the Oil Ministry's contracts department about the impact of government negotiations on the gas deals, removing obstacles to Iraq’s planned production boost, and the next round of potential oil contracts.

Nov 4, 2010

Training needed quickly for oil output increase

As Iraq ramps up production, foreign firms are required to staff up with Iraqis, and qualified workers are in high demand but short supply.

Oct 25, 2010

Analysis: U.S. law to increase Iraq oil-sector transparency

A new U.S. law requiring companies to disclose payments to resource-rich governments could help lift the veil on Iraq’s oil-sector bookkeeping.

Oct 21, 2010

Foreign firms accept ministry’s terms in gas auction

Three gas fields were offered; three were awarded. The Oil Ministry has taken a big step towards awakening the country’s dormant natural gas sector, despite opposition from some local leaders.

Oct 20, 2010

The numbers: gas field bidding round results

All three of Iraq's gas fields up for auction were awarded Wednesday to four international oil companies.

Oct 18, 2010

Analysis: the gas field bid round – why now?

Iraq’s crude production already generates huge volumes of associated gas currently lost to flaring, yet the Oil Ministry will soon auction three dry gas fields for development. Iraqi oil insider Ahmed Mousa Jiyad asks: why?

Oct 18, 2010

Iraq races to avoid export collapse

Iraq is rushing to build export infrastructure, but not just because oil production is set to rise. The current pipelines could break at any moment, causing an economic and environmental disaster.