Energy

Iran reversal on Strait of Hormuz threatens Iraq’s nascent export restart

Iranian forces blocked a tanker carrying Iraqi crude, dampening hopes for a durable resumption of Iraq's southern exports.

The Agios Fanourios I tanker prepares to dock at a single point mooring buoy in the Basra Gulf in April 2026 for the first loading of crude from Iraq's southern export outlets in more than a month. (Photo credit: Ministry of Transportation)

Jun 8, 2022

Iraq exports dip but revenues hit new record

Monthly oil revenues topped $11 billion, boosted by high global prices, but export levels slipped as Iraq bumps up against infrastructure constraints.

Jun 5, 2022

Court postpones hearing in case against Kurdistan’s IOCs

Oil companies did not send authorized representatives to court Sunday, prompting a delay in the Oil Ministry's new lawsuit seeking to enforce a landmark ruling against Kurdistan's oil sector.

Jun 2, 2022

Baghdad launches legal action against Kurdistan’s oil companies

IOCs summoned to appear in federal commercial court as Oil Ministry also signals international legal campaign against Kurdistan's oil sector independence.

May 27, 2022

Despite turbulence, Kurdistan’s IOCs look to raise spending and output

High oil prices are spurring international oil companies in Kurdistan to raise production, even as they face new legal threats, political upheaval, and commercial uncertainty.

May 19, 2022

Iraq’s April oil production holds steady

Output increases at several IOC-operated fields in southern Iraq were offset by cuts from Basra's state-operated fields.

May 19, 2022

Q&A: Electricity Minister Adel Karim

As Iraq approaches the summer peak of electricity demand, another crisis is looming as the caretaker government lacks the budget authority to boost power supply.

May 17, 2022

Tensions rise over alleged intrusion at Kirkuk oil wells

Iraq's North Oil Company has accused the KRG of trying to grab control of oil wells at Bai Hassan field, reflecting a long history of mistrust and political friction.

May 11, 2022

Gas pipeline stalled by intra-Kurdish political rifts

KRG leaders have been touting the potential for major gas exports to Turkey and Europe, but worsening political rivalries are so far preventing pipeline construction.

May 9, 2022

Q&A: Mohammed Fazah Abid, director of the Samawah oil refinery

The Samawah oil refinery is pushing to improve the quality of its fuel output and eventually double its size from a current capacity of 30,000 bpd.

May 3, 2022

April exports rise by 200k bpd

Countrywide oil sales have rebounded to their highest level in two years, although infrastructure bottlenecks threaten to limit further increases.