Increased gas processing capacity has generated surplus fuel, opening the door for exports and badly needed revenue streams.

First pipeline problem in over two months causes throughput to drop, but Kurdistan looks ahead to production hikes the rest of the year.

Iraqi oil earned more than $40 per barrel for the first time since September, a helpful boost as exports have dropped nearly 200 thousand bpd in two months.

IOCs are investing enough to boost Iraq's overall output despite tight budgets, but short-term fixes are masking fundamental issues that could undermine medium-term growth.

To unlock $15 billion in loans, Iraq needs to pay off debts to IOCs – part of a program designed to improve fiscal discipline and raise the confidence of international investors and lenders.

Poor weather and power outages cut into exports but an upward trend in the global oil price puts more money in Iraqi coffers.