Politics

New hope for Baghdad-KRG oil and budget deal

Federal financial transfer signals political will to implement an agreement that could result in re-starting northern oil exports, though further hurdles remain.

Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani (right) hosts Massoud Barzani, the president of the Kurdistan Democratic Party, in Baghdad on July 3, 2024. (Photo credit: Prime Minister's Office)

Dec 3, 2019

Iraqi Cabinet decisions: Dec. 3, 2019

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

Nov 17, 2019

As protesters call for general strike, oil disruptions loom

Protesters are confronting an unbridgeable gap between their demands and the government's action. Their rising frustration poses increasing risks to the oil sector.

Nov 15, 2019

Protests put Baghdad-Erbil oil and budget talks on ice

As anti-government demonstrations alter Iraq's political landscape, the KRG has been forced to temper its ambitions to negotiate a durable financial relationship with Baghdad.

Nov 14, 2019

Qayarah field resumes production as protest disruptions ebb

The Mosul-area field has resumed shipments as demonstrations appear to be receding – at least temporarily – from key infrastructure.

Nov 13, 2019

Ghadhban reshuffles and streamlines Oil Ministry

The oil minister has officially confirmed his deputies, transferred or retired key officials, and put HFO sales under SOMO's purview.

Nov 7, 2019

Iraqi Cabinet decisions: Nov. 5, 2019

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

Nov 6, 2019

Protests force first oil field shut-in

The stoppage at small Qayarah field could foreshadow larger impact of anti-government protests on oil sector.

Oct 31, 2019

Iraqi Cabinet decisions: Oct. 29, 2019

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

Oct 31, 2019

Rising tide of Iraqi protest movement reaches oil sector

Oil workers are organizing to show solidarity with protesters, and demonstrations are targeting key oil sites directly – increasing pressure on an already faltering government.

Oct 30, 2019

Oil Ministry appoints new acting Basra oil chief

As the new acting head of the Basra Oil Company, Bassim Abdulkarim will oversee the majority of Iraq's oil production, cementing the ouster of Ihsan Ismaael.