Energy

Southern export uptick unlocks production gains

A partial resumption in tanker traffic has enabled at least 250,000 bpd in increased oil output, but a full recovery still depends on wartime dynamics outside Iraq’s control.

Workers from Iraq's Oil Pipelines Company perform maintenance work on a gas pipeline feeding the Mansuriya power station in June 2026. (Photo credit: Oil Pipelines Company)

Mar 26, 2020

U.S. tightens window on Iraq’s new sanctions waiver

Iraq's latest Iran sanctions waiver is the shortest yet – 30 days – reflecting an ongoing strain in relations between Baghdad and Washington.

Mar 25, 2020

Iraq limits production despite Saudi ramp-up

The Oil Ministry has continued to throttle back production at state-run fields with spare capacity, even as Saudi Arabia and Russia prepare to open the taps for a price war.

Mar 17, 2020

UPDATE: Gharraf field offline after coronavirus evacuation

Petronas withdraws all foreign staff due to COVID-19; Iraq can replace the lost production with spare capacity at other fields.

Mar 15, 2020

KRG issues new anti-coronavirus orders to oil firms

Regulations for oil and gas companies in Kurdistan reinforce standing WHO recommendations.

Mar 4, 2020

Iraq’s oil sector takes new steps in coronavirus response

The Oil Ministry is determined to avoid any impact on production, but the oil sector is being disrupted by both reduced global demand and preventative health measures.

Mar 2, 2020

Iraq oil export rebound undercut by depleting oil price

The country faced the worst monthly average oil price in more than two years, overshadowing increased output by both federal and Kurdistan oil sectors.

Feb 25, 2020

January production rises, but OPEC constraints loom

Crude output remains well below capacity as the Oil Ministry continues to curtail state-operated fields.

Feb 20, 2020

Likely next NOC chief versed in northern Iraq complexities

Bashir Murad oversaw fields in the far reaches of northwest Iraq while developing high-level credentials with Baghdad.

Feb 19, 2020

Oil exports into Iraqi Kurdistan give Syrian Kurds a financial lifeline

Over several years, Iraqi Kurdistan has become a key market for Syrian crude and provider of refined fuel – a trade worth tens of millions of dollars per month.

Feb 11, 2020

Coronavirus fear disrupts staff rotation at major Iraqi oilfields

Oil production and exports are stable in the short term, with potentially significant supply and demand disruptions if outbreak isn't contained.