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)

Oct 6, 2021

INOC moves to join TotalEnergies in mega-projects

The Iraqi Cabinet has approved the newly formed Iraqi National Oil Company (INOC) to take a partnership stake in a multi-faceted energy deal.

Oct 5, 2021

Qayarah field offline again

Four months after the Ninewa province field came back online, production has again stopped.

Oct 4, 2021

Iraqi exports keep climbing as OPEC quotas ease

Nationwide exports hit their highest monthly average since May 2020.

Sep 23, 2021

Q&A: Farhan Muhssin al-Fartousi, head of the General Company for Ports of Iraq

Work on the Grand Fao port project is moving forward, and oil product exports via Khor al-Zubair are getting an upgrade.

Sep 22, 2021

Insurgency worsens with deadly new tactics

The Islamic State militant group is staging increasingly bold attacks on both security forces and civilians in northern Iraq, with energy infrastructure also at risk.

Sep 20, 2021

Iraq’s August oil output rises to highest level since April 2020

Production continues to increase as Iraq takes advantage of rising OPEC-plus quotas.

Sep 17, 2021

Foreign investors recoil as Iraq restricts company ownership

Iraq has begun enforcing legislation that prevents foreigners from owning a majority stake in any Iraqi company, casting new uncertainty on an already difficult investment climate.

Sep 14, 2021

Q&A: Hossam Hussein Walli, director general of the South Refineries Company

Expansions of southern Iraq's refining capacity appear to depend on negotiations with foreign investors.

Sep 13, 2021

Gas capture program bolsters Tawke oil production

As Kurdistan's authorities crack down on flaring, a $110 million project by Norway's DNO shows how capturing the associated gas produced along with crude can help both the environment and the bottom line.

Sep 8, 2021

Khor Mor expansion gets $250 million boost from U.S.

The U.S. government's overseas lending facility has approved a huge loan to finance new gas supplies, signaling direct support for Kurdistan's energy sector.