Energy

Southern export uptick unlocks production gains

A partial resumption in tanker traffic has enabled at least 250,000 bpd in increased oil output, but a full recovery still depends on wartime dynamics outside Iraq’s control.

Workers from Iraq's Oil Pipelines Company perform maintenance work on a gas pipeline feeding the Mansuriya power station in June 2026. (Photo credit: Oil Pipelines Company)

Jan 6, 2017

After record year, Iraq readies OPEC cuts

Iraq exported more oil in 2016 than any previous year, but now it must reduce overall production in keeping with an OPEC quota aimed at raising oil prices.

Dec 22, 2016

Seeking financial rescue, KRG offered Turkey major oil assets

Emails published by Wikileaks reveal a proposal for Turkey to take equity stakes in Kurdistan's biggest oil fields, in exchange for nearly $5 billion of immediate financial assistance.

Dec 20, 2016

Hacked emails reveal details of Exxon’s Kurdistan activity

Disappointing exploration results drove Exxon to relinquish half of its Kurdistan portfolio, according to private correspondence with Turkey's energy leaders published by Wikileaks.

Dec 14, 2016

Record pipeline flows, but Kurdistan oil revenues dip

Saddled with debt to oil traders, Erbil remains unable to make payroll despite increased exports.

Dec 13, 2016

Q&A: Baz Karim, president of KAR Group

The most strategically important energy firm in Kurdistan, KAR manages the majority of the region's production and refining capacity, and its export pipeline.

Dec 13, 2016

Iraq Cabinet decisions: Dec. 13, 2016

Whenever the media office of the Council of Ministers releases decisions of the Cabinet, Iraq Oil Report publishes a translation from the original Arabic.

Dec 6, 2016

Exxon cuts Kurdistan portfolio by half

The American super-major, whose 2011 contracts with Kurdistan spurred an investment bonanza, has relinquished the Qara Hanjeer, Arbat East, and Betwata blocks.

Dec 5, 2016

Q&A: Falah Alamri, director general of SOMO

Iraq's top oil salesman discusses the future of Basra Heavy, the choices necessary to implement the OPEC quota deal, and making more money on Kirkuk oil sales.

Dec 1, 2016

UPDATE: Iraq breaks export records

Federal Iraq posted its highest-ever rate of oil exports, with increases from both south and north.

Nov 23, 2016

Ruined by war, Qayarah refinery could rise again

Before they were driven out of Qayarah, IS militants destroyed a refinery that powered the economy of Ninewa province. Now, it's a focal point in efforts to rebuild.