Oil Ministry takes an 82,000 bpd field offline as de-escalation tactic in response to protests; overall production and exports unlikely to be affected nationwide.

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

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

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