Politics

Iraq grapples with power shortages and Iran sanctions as summer looms

The expiration of a U.S. sanctions waiver on Iranian electricity imports is complicating Baghdad's balancing act between Tehran and Washington, while the government scrambles for power supply ahead of peak demand season.

Workers from the Southern Projects Commission of Iraq's State Company for Oil Projects assemble a pipeline designed to carry regassified LNG imported via the Khor al-Zubair port in Basra to power stations in February 2025. (ALI AL-AQILY/Iraq Oil Report)

Oct 9, 2012

Payment confirmed, distrust continues

As Kurdistan receives $541 million from Baghdad – the first payment in a new export deal – a conflict is brewing over a second tranche.

Oct 4, 2012

Kurdish contractors threaten export cutoff over payment delay

Frustrated companies are threatening to stop production amidst payment holdups, while Baghdad initiates a $514 million transfer for past exports.

Oct 3, 2012

Iraq’s oil rivals building ‘thin confidence’

As Baghdad approves a $541 million payment to Kurdistan, leaders hope their budding good will can lead to a long-term resolution of oil disputes.

Oct 2, 2012

Luaibi, Hawrami to lead oil law negotiations

In its first meeting, a special committee has designated two of its members – the oil ministers from Baghdad and the KRG – to write legislation that could structure Iraq's oil sector.

Sep 26, 2012

Oil law committee members named

A Parliament order has named the five negotiators who will attempt to overcome long-standing differences and synthesize a new draft oil law.

Sep 19, 2012

Iraqi Cabinet approves Kurdish export agreement

Baghdad takes a step toward paying the KRG for rising exports, but technical and political hurdles remain.

Sep 15, 2012

Kurdish exports to hit 250k bpd next year

If the Iraqi Cabinet approves a new KRG-Baghdad oil deal, Kurdistan will agree to export a quarter-million barrels per day in 2013.

Sep 13, 2012

Update: Progress in KRG-Baghdad oil talks

The oil ministers from the central and Kurdish governments agreed that Kurdistan will boost exports and Baghdad will pay contractors.

Sep 13, 2012

New committee for oil law

A special subcommittee will determine which version of the controversial law will be the basis for debate in Parliament.

Sep 12, 2012

Analysis: Baghdad plotting retaliation against Exxon, wayward IOCs

Kurdistan's contractors have escaped serious consequences for defying Baghdad's claims of oil sector supremacy – but central government leaders are preparing to follow through on their threats.