Energy

Pipeline delays cap Iraq’s northern exports

The Iraqi side of the Iraq-Turkey Pipeline is still months away from coming online — a consequence of years of dysfunction that deprived Iraq of strategic export flexibility.

Workers from the State Company for Oil Projects rehabilitate the Iraqi side of the Iraq-Turkey Pipeline in February 2026. (Photo credit: SCOP)

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.

Oct 21, 2022

Akkas gas field to start production

The field awarded to Kogas to develop in 2010 but then shut down by security issues for nearly a decade has been connected to a nearby power plant by Iraqi state oil and gas workers.