Energy

Depot fire temporarily cuts nearly half of Iraqi crude exports

An explosion at the Zubair-1 depot and pumping station has led to a shut-in of around 1.5 million barrels per day of Basra Medium for export, as Iraq looks for alternatives to keep flows up in the Basra Gulf.

Fire fighters and civil defense corps members extinguish the fire at the Zubair-1 pumping station following a gas leak explosion on Oct. 26, 2025.

Dec 1, 2009

U.S. money, Iraqi reconstruction

Before he left Iraq, Chief of Engineers and Commanding General of USACE Lt. Gen. Van Antwerp talks about what went well, what could have been done differently and what engineering and reconstruction support will remain in Iraq as U.S. forces draw down to 50,000 end-August 2010.

Nov 27, 2009

Slow going on Zubair, W. Qurna and Nassiriya deals

Three contracts with foreign oil firms including Exxon Mobil and Shell are slowly making their way through the Iraqi contracting process, which requires political approval.

Nov 27, 2009

October oil exports down but revenue up

Increased oil price and southern export boost helps Iraq see more oil income last month than September, despite northern output drop.

Nov 23, 2009

Bringing transparency to Iraq’s crude world

Oil Ministry Inspector General talks about the smuggling evolution, and wants more civil society participation in Iraq’s efforts to be transparent.

Nov 23, 2009

Japanese consortium back in Baghdad for Nassiriya

Negotiations continue for Thi Qar oil field despite ongoing delays after Japanese companies chosen over Italian and Spanish firms.

Nov 23, 2009

Heritage drops Genel takeover

Establishment of largest player in Iraqi Kurdistan now scrapped after Eni buyout of Heritage’s Uganda assets and KRG payments still disputed.

Nov 16, 2009

Baghdad sends oil delegation to KRG – UPDATE

Deputy oil ministers lead team in rapprochement with new Kurdish leadership in Erbil, ministry officially denies it’s a business trip.

Oct 21, 2009

Daura refinery expansion on time

Fast-track may now be difficult but adding 70,000 bpd capacity by February is on track.

Oct 20, 2009

Nippon consortium wins Nassiriya

The Japanese consortium’s bid chosen for ECP contract that will lead to as much as a 10 fold increase in production.

Oct 20, 2009

Big companies getting closer to big Iraq oil fields

Four oil fields from Iraq’s first licensing round in June are at various stages nearing a final agreement as companies rush to take Iraq’s terms.