Iraq to sign with Orion Gas Processors to halt flaring and monetize associated gas at state-run field.
Kurdistan's fourth-quarter exports plummeted after Baghdad's takeover of Kirkuk-area fields, but independent oil sales have risen modestly due to recent production increases.
In 2017, federal Iraq averaged more daily crude exports than ever before and a 37 percent revenue increase over 2016.
Iraq's state drilling company builds its credentials as it competes with international service companies for international oil company contracts in Iraq.
Kurdish, Sunni and Basrawi MPs are the most vocal critics of the draft budget, claiming inadequate revenue sharing despite slightly increased overall spending.
Iraq's largest refinery, and the industry in south Iraq generally, is making steady progress for necessary growth.
Federal exports hit their second-highest monthly average in history, but KRG sales declined steeply in the aftermath of Kirkuk upheaval.
Iraq announces record exports and oil sector development plans as it agrees to an extension of OPEC production quotas through 2018.
The Oil Ministry is considering a pipeline to link Kirkuk oil fields with domestic refineries, and issuing a tender for rebuilding the export pipeline to Turkey.
With major Kirkuk oil fields offline due to Baghdad-KRG conflicts, Iraq is looking to compensate with rising production from southern fields.
