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)

Nov 6, 2019

Protests force first oil field shut-in

The stoppage at small Qayarah field could foreshadow larger impact of anti-government protests on oil sector.

Nov 5, 2019

Iraqi crude exports decline for second straight month

Oil sales by the federal government continue to drop, while exports from the Kurdistan region remain steady.

Oct 31, 2019

Rising tide of Iraqi protest movement reaches oil sector

Oil workers are organizing to show solidarity with protesters, and demonstrations are targeting key oil sites directly – increasing pressure on an already faltering government.

Oct 30, 2019

Oil Ministry appoints new acting Basra oil chief

As the new acting head of the Basra Oil Company, Bassim Abdulkarim will oversee the majority of Iraq's oil production, cementing the ouster of Ihsan Ismaael.

Oct 23, 2019

Production falls as Iraq moves toward OPEC compliance

After hitting record levels in August and early September, the Oil Ministry has reduced output to help support global prices.

Oct 22, 2019

Export infrastructure outage underscores Iraq’s need for diversified outlets

One of Iraq's single-point mooring export buoys is being replaced, temporarily reducing the backup options for Iraq’s economic lifeblood.

Oct 16, 2019

Ismaael removed as head of Basra Oil Company

One of Iraq's top oil leaders has been dismissed, as the Cabinet enacts orders to replace dozens of directors general.

Oct 16, 2019

UPDATE: Iraq gets another Iran sanctions waiver from Washington

The State Department approved another 120 days exempting Iraq from U.S. sanctions on Iran, just before a prior waiver was set to expire.

Oct 10, 2019

Q&A: Mansour Mareed Attia, governor of Ninewa province

Five months into his tenure, the new governor discusses the status of Mosul reconstruction, security, and energy sector investment.

Oct 2, 2019

Nationwide oil exports dip in September

Crude sales decrease as Baghdad moves toward OPEC quota compliance and the KRG contends with a planned pipeline outage.