Energy

Summer crisis looms as wartime disruptions hit Iraq’s power sector

Iraq's electricity grid has survived a drop in domestic gas feedstock by employing backup measures that are unlikely to meet the challenges of summertime demand spikes.

Workers from Iraq's State Company for Oil Projects install a pipeline to help transport gas from the Nahr Bin Omar field to the Basra Gas Company's NGL processing plant at North Rumaila in April 2026. (Photo credit: SCOP)

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.

May 10, 2017

Arrests made in Kirkuk gas official’s assassination

Iraqi premier claims members of Kurdish police were involved, raising prospect of political motives behind the May 2 attack.

May 9, 2017

Q&A: Deputy Oil Minister Hamid Younis Salih

Iraq's top natural gas official outlines new plans, beyond the scope of Basra Gas Company, to capture associated gas and reduce flaring in southern Iraq.

May 9, 2017

Iraq exports steady in April

Oil sales have stopped falling as Iraq claims full OPEC compliance, suggesting further production cuts are unlikely.