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)

Jun 14, 2017

Chicken farm explosion reveals oil smuggling racket

Investigators suspect members of the Badr Organization paramilitary group conducted a small but steady smuggling operation at a makeshift military base south of Kirkuk.

Jun 9, 2017

Rising insurgency hits Diyala, despite security efforts

In territory that was ostensibly liberated two years ago, security forces, civilians, and energy infrastructure have become regular targets of an intensifying IS guerrilla war.

Jun 2, 2017

UPDATE: Oil minister names new upstream deputy

Karim Hattab said he'll soon outline his exploration and production priorities as new deputy minister, following a seven-year stint in charge of the Oil Exploration Company.

Jun 2, 2017

Iraqi oil exports steady in May

Increased loadings from Basra Gulf help Iraq compensate for slight oil price slump and northern export decline.

May 26, 2017

Pearl takes arbitration victory against KRG to U.S. court

Kurdistan’s leading gas investor is looking to affirm $2 billion in awards against the KRG, potentially paving the way for enforcement action, while lining up $26.5 billion in further claims.

May 25, 2017

Readout: Oil Minister Luiebi briefs before crucial OPEC meeting

Iraqi Oil Minister Jabbar al-Luiebi briefed journalists Thursday just before a key OPEC meeting, in which member countries are negotiating a potential extension of production cuts agreed to late last year. Luiebi covered a range of topics, from Iraq's specific oil policies to the OPEC-wide attempt to bolster oil prices. Here is a slightly condensed transcript of Luiebi's […]

May 24, 2017

Q&A: Falah Alamri, Director General of SOMO

Days before a major meeting among the world's largest oil producers, Iraq's export chief discusses depressed Kirkuk prices and a big plan for marketing Basra crude.

May 20, 2017

Bombers intercepted near Basra oil fields

After encountering heightened security on the outskirts of Basra, near the Rumaila oil field, two suicide attackers blew up their car bombs.

May 16, 2017

Dhi Qar Oil Company hits political turbulence

Employees of Iraq's newest state oil firm say its creation was driven by political timetables and marred by insufficient planning.

May 13, 2017

Crest to buy WesternZagros

Kurdistan's oil sector has been plagued by financial crisis and other setbacks, but the deal announced Friday suggests some investors are seeing value and opportunity.