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)

Apr 21, 2021

Exxon sets deadline to exit West Qurna 1, prompting tough talks with Iraq

The Oil Ministry wants to replace Exxon with another American company, while Exxon has lined up two Chinese firms to buy its stake.

Apr 20, 2021

Iraq awards Mansuriya gas field to Sinopec, boosting hopes for domestic gas sector

Key gas project beset by contracting and security problems could serve domestic energy demand and ease sanctions tension with Washington.

Apr 15, 2021

The Royal Court restaurant, the oil insider, and the $100,000 bribe

In Nassiriya, the arrest of an oil official highlights a kind of corruption that usually stays in the shadows of political protection networks.

Apr 7, 2021

Q&A: Bassem Abdul Karim Nassir, head of the Iraqi Drilling Company

The director general of Iraq's state-run drilling company discusses plans to help the country boost production in an era of higher oil prices and loosening OPEC constraints.

Apr 5, 2021

Production restarts at Sarqala

Days after the field was shut down because of disputes between politically connected trucking companies, the Kurdistan region has regained 30,000 bpd of production.

Apr 2, 2021

Rising oil sales fuel hopes of funding new 2021 budget targets

After passing a budget with a record-setting deficit, Iraq is banking on more months like March to meet spending goals and recover from a financial crisis.

Mar 31, 2021

Iraq revives efforts to revamp oil sector legislation

Hydrocarbons and national oil company laws get renewed push after more than a decade of political deadlock.

Mar 23, 2021

Iraq production jumps as OPEC-plus pressure eases

As oil markets enter an era of higher prices and fewer OPEC constraints, Iraq appears to be preparing a push for more market share.

Mar 19, 2021

Q&A: Ninewa Gov. Najim al-Jibouri

The military commander-turned-governor says Mosul has largely succeeded in re-establishing security — but lagging support from Baghdad is hurting the local economy, including energy investment.

Mar 16, 2021

Q&A: PUK Co-President Lahur Talabany

The co-leader of Kurdistan's second-largest party discusses politicized oil policies, factionalized leadership, security risks, and Iraq's national budget.