Energy

Iraq seeks backup options for West Qurna 2

As a sanctions deadline looms, Basra Oil Company is poised to manage the 480,000 bpd field while Lukoil continues negotiating to sell its stake.

A ceremony at the West Qurna 2 oil field in Basra to mark the opening of two new well complexes on June 1, 2023. (JASSIM AL-JABIRI/Iraq Oil Report)

Apr 10, 2019

Q&A: Ihsan Ismaael, Basra Oil Company director general

Basra's oil chief discusses efforts to protect Majnoon from flooding, plans for developing new capacity, and the field's place in Iraq's production strategy.

Apr 4, 2019

Prime ministers refrain from endorsing oil lawsuit

The top leaders in Baghdad and Erbil declined to sign legal arguments as requested by Iraq's highest court, signaling tepid interest in continuing a landmark court battle.

Apr 2, 2019

Basra export outages dent March oil sales

With production already constrained by OPEC cuts, Iraq's exports dipped even further as three days of bad weather disrupted Basra Gulf tanker loadings.

Mar 29, 2019

Q&A: Ramesh Valluri, Sonangol’s General Manager for Iraq

Despite security constraints and bureaucratic frustrations, the Angolan firm is bullish on production gains at the Qayarah oil field and is pursuing a nearby refinery project.

Mar 27, 2019

February production falls as OPEC cuts begin to bite

With reduced output at state-run fields, Iraq moves toward compliance with a quota designed to lift global prices.

Mar 20, 2019

UPDATE: Flooding threatens Majnoon field

Iraq risks losing over 100,000 bpd of production as flood waters overcome failing infrastructure.

Mar 19, 2019

U.S. grants Iraq another Iran sanctions waiver

Another 90-day waiver allows for critical power purchases as Iraq tries to balance relations between rival powers.

Mar 19, 2019

Q&A: Haider al-Abadi, former prime minister of Iraq

Five months after leaving office, Abadi reflects on Iraq's political landscape and his successor's handling of energy sector priorities.

Mar 4, 2019

Federal and KRG exports hold steady in February

A slight decline in crude loadings is offset by a $4 per barrel increase in price, as Iraq's output stays near record levels.

Mar 1, 2019

Q&A: Nazm Dabakh, KRG representative to Iran

After Kurdistan abruptly stopped oil exports to Iran - and then quickly resumed them - the KRG's emissary to Tehran discusses bilateral relations in the age of renewed U.S. sanctions.