A memorandum of understanding promises to re-start BP's reservoir studies, and could lead to a long-term development deal.
New efforts to charge consumers for power could reduce consumption, increase state revenues, and alleviate budget pressures – but they are proving a very hard sell.
Despite a non-binding Parliament vote, the ministry indicated it will take a practical approach to continue working with the Iraqi Kurdish company enmeshed in northern Iraq's oil sector.
The non-binding directive against the Iraqi Kurdish oil firm KAR Group further weakens the prospect of renewed Baghdad-Erbil oil cooperation.
Among the companies pre-qualified for new fields and blocks are at least eight with activities in Kurdistan's oil sector.
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.
