Politics

Political disunity clouds KRG fiscal and energy outlooks

Deadlocked talks over forming a new regional Cabinet highlight a bitter rivalry between two ruling parties that poses risks to Kurdistan's economy and energy sector.

PUK President Bafel Talabni (left) meets with KDP President Massoud Barzani (right) on Sept. 27, 2025. (Photo credit: KDP presidency office)

Apr 12, 2018

Pressured by protests, KRG seeks Baghdad bailout

Ending a de-facto policy of economic independence, KRG Prime Minister Nechirvan Barzani promises public-sector salaries that can only be sustained with Baghdad subsidies.

Apr 10, 2018

Iraqi Cabinet decisions: Apr. 10, 2018

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

Apr 10, 2018

Kurdistan oil lawsuit moves forward

Iraq's Federal Supreme Court will finally hear a six-year-old case on the fundamental constitutional conflicts that underpin Baghdad-Erbil oil disputes.

Apr 3, 2018

Iraqi Cabinet decisions: Apr. 1, 2018

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

Mar 27, 2018

Iraqi Cabinet decisions: Mar. 27, 2018

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

Mar 21, 2018

Iraqi Cabinet decisions: Mar. 20, 2018

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

Mar 20, 2018

Iraqi Cabinet decisions: Mar. 13, 2018

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

Mar 13, 2018

Kirkuk fields begin to re-start

NOC is taking initial steps to bring some production at Bai Hassan and Avana Dome back online, increasing crude flows to refineries in Kurdistan.

Mar 13, 2018

Budget dispute could spark constitutional showdown

Iraq's president objects to the newly passed 2018 budget law, but it remains unclear whether he has the power to prevent it from taking force.

Mar 9, 2018

IMF opposes budget, putting billions in financing at risk

Arguing that the 2018 budget allocation to Kurdistan is unrealistically low – and objecting to tax cuts – IMF puts major lending program on ice.