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)

May 8, 2019

Baghdad, KRG leaders reaffirm legal disputes over oil

Political leaders on both sides indicate their court battle is still on, but the proceedings are delayed, pending a revised pleading from the prime minister.

May 8, 2019

Q&A: Nick White, acting deputy GM of Rumaila

Rumaila produces one-third of Iraq's oil, and it's poised to grow — if it can get enough water and related infrastructure approved and in place.

May 7, 2019

Rumaila’s quest for water key to record production

Future growth at Iraq’s largest oil field hinges on unresolved plans for meeting the project’s massive demand for new water supplies.

May 2, 2019

Exports steady in April

Iraq's oil sales are well below capacity due to OPEC cuts, but monthly revenues are trending upward along with global crude prices.

Apr 24, 2019

Q&A: Fatih Birol, head of the International Energy Agency

After spearheading a major new survey of Iraq’s energy sector, the IEA’s executive director previews his key insights and policy recommendations.

Apr 21, 2019

March production drops steeply

A perfect storm of factors — OPEC cuts, bad weather in the Basra Gulf, and flooding — caused Iraq’s output to fall by more than 4 percent.

Apr 17, 2019

Oil Ministry bars Petrofac from gas project

After a former Petrofac executive pled guilty to paying bribes in Iraq and Saudi Arabia, the Oil Ministry has ordered an end to negotiations over the Ratawi gas hub.

Apr 16, 2019

Q&A: Bahaa Nima Abid, acting director of the Siba gas field

The first of federal Iraq's three gas fields awarded in a 2010 bidding round is now nearly ready for commercial production, helping the country become a sustainable producer of electricity.

Apr 11, 2019

Hadi al-Amiri appointed “czar” of Basra

The prime minister has tapped Amiri - the paramilitary commander-turned-political maverick - to coordinate an array of urgent initiatives in Iraq's oil capital.

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.