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)

Aug 9, 2022

Public anger combusts at violent oil field protests

Sunday's clashes at the Halfaya field left 18 security officers injured — highlighting the volatile consequences of government paralysis amidst failing services and high unemployment.

Aug 9, 2022

Oil Ministry puts Gazprom, Dana Gas in legal crosshairs

Baghdad is expanding its campaign to invalidate Kurdistan's oil contracts, filing new cases against the Russian and Emirati companies.

Aug 8, 2022

July oil exports slightly down

Iraq's crude sales receded in July as seasonal demand spikes fueled domestic consumption and quality issues hurt the marketing of Basra Heavy.

Aug 3, 2022

Political upheaval in Baghdad reverberates across oil sector

In the increasingly chaotic struggle to form a new government, Iraq's oil sector has been both a political battleground and a victim of dysfunctional governance.

Aug 2, 2022

KRG shifts legal tactics as Baghdad court delays further rulings

Oil Ministry lawsuits against three IOCs operating in Kurdistan remain undecided as a KRG lawyer asks to join the proceedings as a third party.

Aug 1, 2022

Iraq enforces KRG blacklist policy against four oil service companies

Weatherford and three other companies with subcontracts in Kurdistan are barred from work in southern Iraq, as Baghdad continues campaign to reverse KRG oil sector independence.

Jul 28, 2022

Muhammad Fazza Abed, Director of Karbala refinery. (STAFF/Iraq Oil Report)

Q&A: Muhammad Fazza Abed, Director of Karbala refinery

The 140,000 bpd ultra-modern Karbala refinery, federal Iraq's first large greenfield build in decades, is in the final stages of pre-commissioning now and is set for an October startup.

Jul 26, 2022

Iraq’s oil output surges in June as southern fields ramp up

Production and exports are rising as OPEC-plus quotas continue to loosen and high global oil prices bring record revenues.

Jul 20, 2022

Iraq refining sector makes incremental gains

Projects nearing completion this year could boost refining capacity by 140,000 bpd, despite chronic failures to attract foreign capital.

Jul 13, 2022

Q&A: Bassem Abdul Karim Nassir, head of the Iraqi Drilling Company

Iraq's state company for drilling has idle rigs ready for more upstream development.