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)

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.

Jul 2, 2018

Iraqi oil exports steady in June though federal revenues fall

Federal oil exports increased, but the oil price pushed down earnings, and Kurdistan tanker loadings slowed due to outages.

Jun 28, 2018

Supreme Court delays crucial oil rights ruling

Kurdistan scolded for late response to court, as both it and federal government instructed to present additional legal arguments.

Jun 22, 2018

Bai Hassan is back online as Iraqi production grows

Kirkuk production has increased, but the Oil Ministry's efforts to find new routes to market for stranded capacity are incomplete.