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)

Jan 6, 2010

Comment & Analysis: Iraq’s oil and gas challenges and opportunities

Technical analysis and opinion by an Iraqi oil consultant, a founding executive of the Iraqi National Oil Company, and an author of the 2006 draft Iraqi oil law.

Jan 4, 2010

Russia looking forward to Iraqi oil development

Gazprom executive Alexander Kolomatsky spoke with Iraq Oil Report about the cost to develop the Badra oil field, which may be part in Iran, raising issues of sanctions and security.

Dec 30, 2009

Final auction fields get draft contract approved

Angola state oil company gets the initial deal for two Ninevah fields approved and sent to Cabinet, the final projects from the December auction.

Dec 30, 2009

Iraq readies final super-giant field for Cabinet

Lukoil, Statoil and ministry agree to draft contract for West Qurna-Phase 2, cooperate with Exxon and Shell of Phase 1, adjust shares.

Dec 29, 2009

Companies, government not concerned with Badra’s Iranian side

Gazprom Neft in talks with Iran to develop other side of Iraqi border field it was awarded in December auction and initialed last week.

Dec 29, 2009

Naft Khanah a gas leak, not fire

Damage is minimal but extent still unknown as reports surface that a gas leak triggered a rush to the northern Iraq field by firefighters.

Dec 29, 2009

Shell’s continued re-entry into Iraq

Iraq Oil Report spoke to Mounir Bouaziz, Shell’s vice president for Middle East & North Africa, about what it will take to truly secure oil and gas investments in Iraq.

Dec 22, 2009

China initials Halfaya contract

Oil Ministry and company officials put initials on second round auction contract for Halfaya, sent to the Council of Ministers for approval.

Dec 22, 2009

Dhi Qar oil company to be added to state firms

The Iraqi Oil Minister expects to create an oil company based in the up and coming oil province of Dhi Qar.

Dec 22, 2009

Rumaila lawsuit hearing set for Jan. 11

Iraqi federal court hears government defense, postpones hearing and fate of contracting process until Jan. 11.