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)

Jun 9, 2011

Shahristani leads government charge into summer

The deputy prime minister for energy preempts critics in a televised cabinet meeting intended to be a confidence builder at the government's 100 day deadline.

Jun 1, 2011

Oil workers face retribution

The Iraqi government is imposing fines and forced relocations on oil unionists who have rallied workers for improved conditions.

May 17, 2011

Oil Ministry, Parliament battle over fourth bid round

Luaibi rejects Parliament committee's demands to delay January bid round for exploration deals.

May 10, 2011

Oil workers protest in Basra

Workers threaten strike, mass May 25 protest following repeated claims to better pay.

May 6, 2011

Baghdad pays KRG contractors

In a step forward for Baghdad-Erbil relations, the central government has paid Kurdish oil contractors for the first time.

Apr 28, 2011

The four-year plan

The Iraqi Oil Ministry's four-year plan, unveiled but not reproduced in February, available here only to Iraq Oil Report subscribers.

Apr 26, 2011

More details, delay for Iraq 4th bidding round

A fourth auction of hydrocarbons projects, this time for exploration blocks, will take place in January not November for dozens of pre-qualified International Oil Companies.

Apr 14, 2011

Kuwait targets Iraqi crude

Kuwait Airways is threatening to seize Iraqi assets when UN immunities are lifted in July, to recover $1.2B from Saddam-era theft.

Apr 12, 2011

Q&A: Adnan Janabi

An oil industry expert now chairs the Parliament's Oil and Energy Committee. Adnan Janabi talks about short-term priorities for key oil laws and relations between Baghdad and the KRG.

Apr 12, 2011

Parliament wants role in Iraqi oil deals

The new chairman of the Parliament Oil and Energy Committee said all of Baghdad's contracts – past and future – should be reviewed, perhaps altered.