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)

May 14, 2021

Sarqala power plant highlights KRG progress on gas flaring

Several projects still wastefully burn associated gas, but a new power plant is the latest sign that Kurdistan is harnessing gas to boost electricity and reduce expensive fuel imports.

May 12, 2021

April oil production ticks upward

As OPEC-plus quotas ease, Iraq is bringing dormant production capacity back online.

May 11, 2021

Q&A: Dhi Qar Gov. Ahmed al-Khafaji

Weeks after taking office, Dhi Qar's new governor discusses aspirations for quelling oil protests, raising employment, and attracting investment.

May 6, 2021

Q&A: Sheikh Kadhim Majeed al-Sarayefi

A Basra tribal leader discusses his business relationship with international oil companies, the need for private-sector development, and the problem of tribal violence.

May 4, 2021

April oil revenues drop slightly despite increased exports

Because of weaker global oil prices, Iraqi oil revenues dropped 5 percent even though exports ticked upward.

May 1, 2021

Oil Ministry objects to Iraqi budget law, citing risks to oil sector

Iraq cannot pay oil companies on time under its 2021 budget law, the Oil Ministry said in an official letter seeking a legal intervention.

Apr 28, 2021

March production dips, but Iraq eyes capacity surge

Nationwide oil output fell by 100,000 bpd, but the Oil Ministry is poised to bring new production online as OPEC quotas look set to ease.

Apr 26, 2021

Q&A: Dhia Shaker al-Luaibi, director of Majnoon oil field

Basra Oil Company's field manager at Majnoon talks foreign interest and Iraqi success in developing the field once operated by Shell.

Apr 23, 2021

Total and Iraq face difficult sticking points in details of massive energy deal

The two sides still need to overcome the same sticking points that have derailed Iraq's previous attempts at multi-faceted Basra mega-deals.

Apr 22, 2021

Q&A: Khalid Hamza Abbas, Basra Oil Company director general

The chief of Basra's oil sector discusses Exxon's impending departure from West Qurna 1, Total's bid for a massive new deal, and Iraq's efforts to develop new capacity from state-run fields.