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)

Dec 22, 2019

Facing tighter OPEC policy, Iraq continues output cuts

State-operated fields in Basra throttle back production as Iraq moves to support an OPEC agreement and bolster global oil prices.

Dec 13, 2019

Baz Karim emerges as frontrunner to lead KRG oil sector

A long-time central player in Kurdistan's oil industry, the CEO of KAR Group has already become a trusted advisor of KRG Prime Minister Masrur Barzani.

Dec 6, 2019

IS steps up nighttime assaults near Diyala oil fields

Thousands of Islamic State militants are believed to be in the area, exploiting security gaps.

Dec 5, 2019

Dhi Qar and North Oil Companies see leadership changes

Iraq's oil minister is reshuffling the directors general of the state-run companies managing Kirkuk and Dhi Qar's oil operations.

Dec 2, 2019

Iraq oil exports reverse two-month decline

Oil sales from both the federal government and the KRG increased in November.

Nov 25, 2019

Q&A: Thamir Ghadhban, Deputy Prime Minister for Energy and Minister of Oil

In the midst of an unpredictable protest movement, Iraq's oil sector has avoided output disruptions and plans are on track for developing new production and export capacity.

Nov 17, 2019

As protesters call for general strike, oil disruptions loom

Protesters are confronting an unbridgeable gap between their demands and the government's action. Their rising frustration poses increasing risks to the oil sector.

Nov 15, 2019

Protests put Baghdad-Erbil oil and budget talks on ice

As anti-government demonstrations alter Iraq's political landscape, the KRG has been forced to temper its ambitions to negotiate a durable financial relationship with Baghdad.

Nov 14, 2019

Qayarah field resumes production as protest disruptions ebb

The Mosul-area field has resumed shipments as demonstrations appear to be receding – at least temporarily – from key infrastructure.

Nov 13, 2019

Ghadhban reshuffles and streamlines Oil Ministry

The oil minister has officially confirmed his deputies, transferred or retired key officials, and put HFO sales under SOMO's purview.