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)

Sep 5, 2012

Baghdad advances threat to Kurdistan budget

The Iraqi Cabinet is targeting more than $3 billion in cuts from the KRG budget, as a bitter dispute over oil exports comes to a head.

Aug 31, 2012

Special committee to jump-start oil law

A new Parliament panel will facilitate long-delayed oil legislation, as leaders struggle to overcome a crippling political crisis.

Aug 13, 2012

Baghdad re-asserts itself

Shahristani touts record production in outreach to IOCs – including better contract terms – and warnings to KRG, Turkey.

Aug 9, 2012

Experts demand Parliament take oil action

Former Iraqi oil officials pen letter urging Parliament to unilaterally move on oil law, in a critique of Baghdad and Erbil.

Jul 25, 2012

Chevron undeterred by Baghdad blacklist

The Iraqi Oil Ministry has officially disqualified Chevron from future contracts after the company signed deals with the KRG.

Jul 20, 2012

Maliki threatens Exxon, claiming Obama support

The prime minister said he will take "all necessary measures" to prevent Exxon's work in Kurdistan, after the White House affirmed its opposition to the deal.

Jul 18, 2012

Iraq warns Turkey as oil tension escalates

Baghdad leaders are accusing Turkey of abetting an illegal fuel trade with Kurdistan, with potentially dire implications for future relations and investment.

Jul 12, 2012

Cabinet targets Kurdistan budget

Alleging that the KRG's oil export cutoff has made an $8.5 billion dent in the Iraqi budget, the Cabinet is calling for penalties.

Jun 22, 2012

Kurdistan challenges Baghdad export powers

In a bid to expand its oil powers, the KRG is aiming to debunk SOMO's status as the exclusive exporter of Iraqi crude.

Jun 15, 2012

Q&A: Hussain al-Shahristani

The deputy prime minister for energy discusses energy relations with Turkey and Iran, the deadlock with the KRG, and the reasons that IOCs shied away from the fourth bidding round.