Federal authorities have no communication with the small field they once controlled, as about 2,000 bpd of production is feeding Kurdistan's export pipeline.
Venture would give Kurdistan a much-needed cash infusion but would divert future revenue streams earmarked for infrastructure and education.
Oil price drop prompts Oil Ministry to request cost-cutting measures this year and contractual changes that will alter the decades-long contracts.
Rising Baghdad-KRG oil cooperation and recovering oil prices help offset southern export slump.
Oil Ministry and IOCs also begin talks to negotiate contract changes as the oil price drop hits budgets.
Political disputes, bad weather, crude quality problems and infrastructure delays set back much needed revenues.
Loading buoys in the Basra Gulf are left idle as tankers refuse some cargoes.
Oil production is booming in Missan province, which now accounts for nearly one-tenth of Iraq's output.
A Texas court has denied a KRG motion to dismiss, and will hear a full-blown trial on the fate of a 1 million barrel tanker of oil exported by Kurdistan.
Around 150,000 bpd from Kirkuk is being pumped to Turkey for the first time in 10 months.
