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)

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.

Oct 14, 2010

Iraq prioritizes southern export expansion

Iraq has signed a series of contracts that will create an additional 4.5 million bpd of export capacity by 2013 to handle a production boom and provide cover for needed repairs.

Oct 12, 2010

Interview: the man behind the reserves

Iraq's oil reservoirs chief talks about the recent bounce in reserves, and tells where the next increase will come from.

Oct 4, 2010

Iraq says jump in oil reserves is only the start

The Oil Ministry revised its proven oil reserves upward by nearly 25 percent, a number that will increase as it lures investors, despite political challenges.

Oct 4, 2010

Kirkuk will tap oil fund to fill gap in federal services

Provincial council will use its special oil-revenue fund to build a power plant – a move the Electricity Ministry says is not legitimate.

Sep 23, 2010

Iraq moves to regain stature atop OPEC

Fifty years after the cartel was founded in Baghdad, Iraq is attempting to overcome political and technical obstacles to snatch the oil crown from the Saudis.