Energy

Iraq seeks backup options for West Qurna 2

As a sanctions deadline looms, Basra Oil Company is poised to manage the 480,000 bpd field while Lukoil continues negotiating to sell its stake.

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)

Feb 16, 2010

Corruption stemmed at Beiji refinery – but for how long?

The director general of the Beiji oil refinery, Ali al-Obaidi, sees a future of violence and corruption that could cripple the facility he saved two years ago.

Feb 15, 2010

The crime-fighting outlaw at Beiji

The man credited with turning the refinery at Beiji from a nest of corruption to a model of productivity has a warrant out for his arrest but holds the trust of American and Iraqi officials.

Feb 9, 2010

New oil boards to form across Iraq

Oil Minister announces new network of boards to deal with oil and gas fields now set to be developed across the country, along with new state oil company.

Feb 4, 2010

Iraq deals could be boost to oil firms’ books

Exxon Mobil is the biggest of the foreign oil firms with new deals in Iraq that are confident they can book the fields' reserves, make shareholders happy.

Feb 4, 2010

Exxon exec optimistic in Iraq entry

Rob Franklin, president of Exxon Mobil Upstream Ventures, speaks to Iraq Oil Report about tough negotiations with Iraq to finalize a contract for one of Iraq's biggest fields.

Feb 3, 2010

Production-sharing contracts: a dying breed?

EDITOR'S NOTE: The issue of production-sharing contracts (PSCs, also called production-sharing agreements, or PSAs) in Iraq is a contentious one. Encouraged initially by American advisers as the best means for investment in post-war Iraq by, the system, which allows oil companies to take a share of the profits of all oil extracted, can mean that […]

Jan 31, 2010

Lukoil finalizes super-giant W. Qurna 2

As the tenth and final oil deal is inked, oil minister reminds Iraqis that he negotiated the sweetest possible deals in effort to massively boost production.

Jan 22, 2010

It’s a deal

Iraqi Oil Ministry announces an agreement has been reached for three remaining oil deals, all to be signed by end of January.

Jan 22, 2010

Eni in Iraq, inks Zubair deal

Second of three June auction deals is signed with Italy's Eni as Iraq makes way for investment that could lead to 12 million bpd capacity.

Jan 21, 2010

Garraf deal official

Petronas and Japex finalize development deal for Garraf, as ministry readies for another week of oil contract signings and negotiations.