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Energy

Iraq seeks backup export options as Basra loadings falter

Cabinet orders emergency package for boosting oil sales after dropping to a multi-decade low in May.
Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi (center right), Oil Minister Bassim Mohammed Khudair (far left), and Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein (second from left) confer at a Cabinet meeting in Baghdad on June 2, 2026. (Photo credit: Oil Ministry)

Q&A: SOMO Director General Alaa al-Yassiri

Iraq's oil exports chief discusses Baghdad-Ankara-KRG oil negotiations, a new oil trading joint venture, and the possibility of a third grade of Basra crude.

Kirkuk fields begin to re-start

NOC is taking initial steps to bring some production at Bai Hassan and Avana Dome back online, increasing crude flows to refineries in Kurdistan.