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)

Dec 8, 2017

2018 budget faces opposition, delays

Kurdish, Sunni and Basrawi MPs are the most vocal critics of the draft budget, claiming inadequate revenue sharing despite slightly increased overall spending.

Dec 6, 2017

Q&A: Hossam Hussein Wali, director general of the South Refineries Company

Iraq's largest refinery, and the industry in south Iraq generally, is making steady progress for necessary growth.

Dec 1, 2017

Iraqi exports shoot to near-record levels

Federal exports hit their second-highest monthly average in history, but KRG sales declined steeply in the aftermath of Kirkuk upheaval.

Nov 30, 2017

Q&A: Iraqi Oil Minister Jabbar al-Luiebi

Iraq announces record exports and oil sector development plans as it agrees to an extension of OPEC production quotas through 2018.

Nov 30, 2017

No easy solution for stranded Kirkuk crude

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.

Nov 29, 2017

October production slides on Kirkuk upheaval

With major Kirkuk oil fields offline due to Baghdad-KRG conflicts, Iraq is looking to compensate with rising production from southern fields.

Nov 28, 2017

Ministry envisions new contract model for exploration deals

In an upcoming effort to attract investors to nine exploration blocks, Iraq will scrap its signature technical service contracts.

Nov 10, 2017

Iran to facilitate Kirkuk exports

By trucking crude to Iran, the Oil Ministry would reduce dependence on the KRG-controlled export system and open a new outlet for Kirkuk oil that is currently stranded.

Nov 2, 2017

Iraq seeks to reshape northern oil sector

After regaining control of Kirkuk, Baghdad is looking for new outlets for northern oil production while reducing its reliance on the KRG.

Nov 2, 2017

Federal exports climb, revenues hit three-year high

Exports from all of Iraq were just over 3.8 million bpd, a slight decrease from September, but sales from the Basra Gulf grew.