Energy

Oil Ministry slashes upstream spending for 2026

Urgent austerity plan aims to cut $1.4 billion from oil field budgets nationwide in 2026 without affecting production — a warning sign of fiscal trouble for Iraq.

Oil Minister Hayyan Abdulghani (center left) and Deputy Oil Minister for Upstream Bassim Mohammed Khdair (center right) meet with Zaid Elyaseri (far left), the president of BP Iraq, in Baghdad on Jan. 26, 2026, to discuss the company's upstream plans and project expenses. (Photo credit: Oil Ministry)

Aug 2, 2018

Q&A: Brig. Gen. Ali Hussein Hilal al-Mayahi, director of South Oil Police

As protests re-gain momentum at key oil sites in Basra, Mayahi details the network of government forces providing security and the challenges they face.

Aug 1, 2018

July oil exports and revenues rise

Federal oil revenues hit a four-year high as exports increased through both the Basra Gulf and the KRG-controlled northern export system.

Aug 1, 2018

Iraq struggles to contain Basra oil protests

A demonstration threatens to shut down roads into the West Qurna 1 oil field as protesters, emboldened by a supportive message from Sistani, rail against government failures.

Jul 27, 2018

Electricity service collapses as protests reignite

A shut-down of transmission lines left millions without power for hours, reinforcing the grievances of a protest movement that has caused minor disruptions at oil sites.

Jul 25, 2018

Energy sector remains vulnerable to protester ire

Attacks on Basra oil field and power lines mean promises of jobs and services have yet to settle concerns.

Jul 18, 2018

Oil sector weathers storm of protests

Widespread civil unrest has begun to subside, at least temporarily - leaving key oil sites disrupted but intact.

Jul 13, 2018

Government offers oil job promises to settle protesters

Demonstrators turned violent on fifth straight day of protests in an attempt to enter Basra oil fields, though were repelled by security forces.

Jul 11, 2018

Four killed protecting pipeline warehouse outside Kirkuk

Unknown assailants alleged to be the self-proclaimed Islamic State killed workers at a pipeline warehouse in Dibis, northwest of Kirkuk.

Jul 11, 2018

Low-level smuggling is high stakes for local officials

Iraqi authorities have discovered several small-scale smuggling rackets in and around Basra over the past year.

Jul 9, 2018

Protester killed in services protest outside Basra oil field

Iraqi security forces shot protesters in an escalation of chronic frustration with a lack of jobs and services, including salty water that shut down the Basra refinery.