Energy

Pipeline delays cap Iraq’s northern exports

The Iraqi side of the Iraq-Turkey Pipeline is still months away from coming online — a consequence of years of dysfunction that deprived Iraq of strategic export flexibility.

Workers from the State Company for Oil Projects rehabilitate the Iraqi side of the Iraq-Turkey Pipeline in February 2026. (Photo credit: SCOP)

Nov 11, 2025

U.S. sanctions on Lukoil threaten Iraq oil production drop

There is no backup plan for operating the 480,000 bpd West Qurna-2 field, with some Iraqi officials worrying production might need to be cut within weeks.

Nov 5, 2025

October exports jump as northern pipeline resumes

Exports via Turkey boosted Iraqi oil sales while a deadly oil depot fire had only limited impact on southern volumes.

Oct 30, 2025

September oil production edges higher

Iraq's nationwide output rises slightly as OPEC-plus continues loosening quotas.

Oct 27, 2025

Khor Mor expansion highlights pipeline squeeze and potential Baghdad sales

Kurdistan's gas pipeline network isn't ready for all of the new capacity now coming online, raising the prospect of sales to federal Iraq.

Oct 26, 2025

UPDATE: Depot fire temporarily cuts Iraqi crude exports

An explosion at the Zubair-1 depot has taken up to 1.5 million bpd of Basra Medium crude exports offline, as Iraq scrambles to divert production to storage and implement workarounds to recover export volumes.

Oct 16, 2025

Political disunity clouds KRG fiscal and energy outlooks

Deadlocked talks over forming a new regional Cabinet highlight a bitter rivalry between two ruling parties that poses risks to Kurdistan's economy and energy sector.

Oct 15, 2025

Iraq races to finalize oil deals ahead of elections

Sudani administration activates a major contract with BP and strikes preliminary agreements with ExxonMobil and Chevron as national elections near and deal-making window starts to shut.

Oct 3, 2025

Q&A: Bassim Mohammed Khudair, deputy oil minister for upstream

The deputy minister provides details on the new agreements to unlock northern exports, and an update on talks with ExxonMobil.

Oct 2, 2025

Iraqi exports trending up as Ceyhan loadings resume

Southern exports increased in September, and Iraq's nationwide oil sales are expected to climb further as the pipeline to Turkey reopens.

Sep 30, 2025

Analysis: Iraqi elections approach, with high stakes for energy sector

Political insiders weigh in on potential election outcomes and their implications for the country’s investment climate.