Energy

Iraq seeks backup export options as Basra loadings falter

Cabinet orders emergency package for boosting oil sales after dropping to a multi-decade low in May.

Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi (center right), Oil Minister Bassim Mohammed Khudair (far left), and Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein (second from left) confer at a Cabinet meeting in Baghdad on June 2, 2026. (Photo credit: Oil Ministry)

Nov 8, 2023

With new pipeline work, Baghdad moves toward purchase of Khor Mor gas

The consortium operating Kurdistan's most prolific gas field is negotiating a potentially paradigm-shifting deal to sell directly to Baghdad.

Nov 3, 2023

October exports hit 8-month high

The northern export pipeline was offline for a seventh straight month, but Iraq has now compensated for about half the lost volumes with increased oil sales via southern outlets.

Nov 2, 2023

Oil Ministry names new head of contracts

Bassim Taher Abid is tapped as the new acting director of the Petroleum Contracts and Licensing Directorate as the ministry gears up for two new licensing rounds.

Nov 1, 2023

Iraq unveils details for new bidding rounds

In an effort to attract foreign investors to its upcoming licensing rounds, the Oil Ministry is adding more projects and better contractual terms.

Oct 24, 2023

Deadly firefight highlights unresolved tensions over territorial disputes

Iraqi Army and Peshmerga forces clashed over a strategically important position near key energy assets.

Oct 18, 2023

September oil production steady

With the northern pipeline still offline, Iraq is compensating with robust southern exports and expanding sales into Kurdistan's local market.

Oct 12, 2023

Turkey gives official notice that pipeline can resume

Political obstacles within Iraq are still preventing crude exports from restarting after a formal letter from BOTAS to SOMO confirmed the pipeline is ready.

Oct 5, 2023

Iraq oil exports steady in September

Crude sales averaged above 3.4 million for the third straight month as Iraq maxes out southern export outlets.

Oct 4, 2023

Obstacles remain after Turkey signals pipeline is ready

Northern exports can only come online if Baghdad strikes new political and commercial agreements.

Sep 30, 2023

Iraq presses claim to enforce arbitration award against Turkey

In a U.S. legal filing, Iraq contested Turkey's effort to flip the award in its own favor, as the two sides still appear deadlocked over a restart of Iraq’s northern exports.