Energy

Iraqi oil sector weathers Iran conflict

Production and exports have not suffered major interruptions so far, but exodus of foreign oil workers and border closures highlight risks of disruption.

Iraqi Oil Minister Hayyan Abdulghani (center left, red tie) visits the Rumaila oil field on March 2, 2025. (Photo credit: Oil Ministry)

Nov 18, 2022

Widening divide between Kurdistan’s ruling parties raises new risks

Leaders are openly discussing the dissolution of a strategic agreement for united governance that has underpinned Kurdistan's stability and oil sector independence.

Nov 16, 2022

Oil production steady as new PM urges review of OPEC quota

October oil output stayed near Iraq's high-water mark for the year as the newly elected prime minister expressed support for OPEC-plus but criticism of Iraq's quota.

Nov 13, 2022

Smuggling bust unravels into scandal of murder and political intrigue

An oil smuggling ring was stealing thousands of barrels per day from a pipeline in Basra. The true contours of the conspiracy remain a mystery.

Nov 3, 2022

October oil exports and revenues rise

Nationwide exports increased by 36,000 bpd in October, but imminent OPEC-plus cuts could crimp sales in November.

Nov 2, 2022

China positioned to thrive under Iraq’s new government

For the past year an ostensibly grassroots movement with ties to Iran-aligned parties has laid political groundwork for Iraq to embrace China’s Belt and Road Initiative.

Oct 31, 2022

Q&A: Ali Qays Abdul-Jabbar, Director of the Iraqi Oil Tankers Company

Iraq’s State Oil Tankers Company hopes to rebuild its fleet to take on crude oil exports and match its Gulf peers.

Oct 27, 2022

UPDATE: Hayan Abdulghani confirmed to lead Oil Ministry as Sudani takes power

Mohammed Shia al-Sudani formed a government and took office as prime minister, providing initial details on his program for Iraq's energy sector.

Oct 26, 2022

Q&A: Hussein Abdul-Kadhim, Zubair field operations director

Oil production at Zubair is being ramped up towards a targeted 700,000 bpd within five years, but that goal will require more water injection than is currently available.

Oct 25, 2022

CORRECTED: Baghdad court annuls three more KRG contracts

Kurdistan's contracts with Addax, ShaMaran, and Gulf Keystone have been ruled invalid; cases against Dana Gas and Gazprom Neft are ongoing.

Oct 24, 2022

Q&A: Ali Yousif Zaboon, director of field operations at West Qurna 1

Production capacity at the West Qurna 1 oil field is set to increase to 600,000 bpd in 2023 despite operator ExxonMobil’s planned exit.