Energy

Iraqi oil sales steady in August

Export levels were unchanged from July to August as authorities in Baghdad and Erbil continue talks to resume northern crude flows to Turkey.

Workers from the state-run Iraqi Drilling Company operate a rig at the West Qurna 1 oil field in Basra in August 2025. (Photo credit: IDC media office)

Sep 5, 2019

Sanctioned Russian company moves toward Iraq exploration deal

The Oil Ministry has initialed a contract with Stroytransgaz – a target of U.S. sanctions on Russia – for exploration and development in Anbar province. The deal awaits final Cabinet approval.

Sep 4, 2019

Total Iraqi oil exports rise to 4.077m bpd in August

The federal Oil Ministry and the KRG both increased export rates, largely offsetting a decline in global crude prices.

Aug 31, 2019

Iraq seeks minority partners to develop massive Mansuriya gas field via state company

After terminating its contract with TPAO, the Oil Ministry is relying on the state-run Midland Oil Company to operate a key gas field — and is seeking private-sector partners.

Aug 22, 2019

Ahead of oil talks with Baghdad, KRG proposes new budget framework

As leaders in Erbil and Baghdad prepare for detailed negotiations on long-standing disputes, the KRG is offering to hand over all of its oil exports to the federal government – for a price.

Aug 21, 2019

Iraq braces for major decline in lucrative fuel trade

Heavy fuel oil exports have become a major revenue stream for Iraq, but new international regulations are projected to lower demand drastically.

Aug 16, 2019

Iraq seeks refinery investors with policy overhaul

After a decade of failed efforts to strike downstream deals with top-tier companies, the Oil Ministry is looking to de-risk refinery investment.

Aug 14, 2019

Iraq maintains July oil output near 4.8m bpd

In the first month after OPEC decided to extend its production cuts, Iraq's Oil Ministry barely adjusted its output.

Aug 7, 2019

As Iraqi production grows, export bottlenecks loom

Iraq's OPEC cuts have masked a key problem: export capacity isn't keeping pace with production gains, and many solutions are years away.

Aug 6, 2019

Baghdad slow-walks court fight on KRG oil policy

Prime Minister Abd al-Mahdi has again delayed a key legal filing, signaling an apparent desire to settle long-standing disputes through political negotiation rather than court battles.

Aug 5, 2019

New leadership revives Baghdad-Erbil oil talks

After more than a decade of disputes over oil and revenue, Iraqi leaders see renewed political and financial incentives to negotiate solutions.