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)

Dec 7, 2021

Intensifying IS attacks strike near northern oil fields

In a single week, deadly insurgent operations near the Khurmala, Avana, Bai Hassan, and Sarqala oil fields showcase IS's firepower and persistence.

Dec 2, 2021

Iraqi exports rise as OPEC continues quota increase

Iraq's November exports increased, but oil revenues dipped because of falling global crude prices.

Nov 17, 2021

Climate change comes to Iraq

Unprecedented droughts are drying up farm land, driving migration to cities, and compounding economic hardships and instability.

Nov 16, 2021

Q&A: Hussein Abdul-Kadhim Hussein, director of the Rumaila Operating Organization

Even though Iraq is emerging from OPEC-plus quota constraints, its most prolific oil field is still producing well below capacity as BP, PetroChina, and BOC negotiate near-term plans.

Nov 11, 2021

Iraqi oil output edges lower in October

Production dipped slightly, but loosening OPEC quotas mean Iraq is gaining leeway to draw on spare capacity.

Nov 4, 2021

U.S., UK firms join Halliburton bid for Exxon’s stake in West Qurna 1

The American investment firm Twelve Seas and the UK's Wood Group are proposing to partner with Halliburton to buy Exxon’s interest in one of Iraq’s largest oil fields.

Nov 2, 2021

October oil exports steady as rising prices lift revenues

Thanks to surging global crude prices, Iraq generated its highest monthly oil export revenues since October 2018.

Oct 20, 2021

Iraq continues uptrend with September crude production surge

Iraq's countrywide oil output increased 3 percent in September as OPEC-plus quotas rise.

Oct 19, 2021

Qayarah back online under new agreement

Sonangol has renewed a temporary deal with the Oil Ministry to resume partial production at the Qayarah field in Ninewa province.

Oct 18, 2021

Q&A: Kadhim Matroud, BOC director for Siba gas field

Output is rising at Iraq's only commercially producing dry gas field, but reserves estimates have been cut in half.