Energy

Iran reversal on Strait of Hormuz threatens Iraq’s nascent export restart

Iranian forces blocked a tanker carrying Iraqi crude, dampening hopes for a durable resumption of Iraq's southern exports.

The Agios Fanourios I tanker prepares to dock at a single point mooring buoy in the Basra Gulf in April 2026 for the first loading of crude from Iraq's southern export outlets in more than a month. (Photo credit: Ministry of Transportation)

Nov 21, 2024

CORRECTED: Iraq deepens production cuts

The Oil Ministry made major cuts at state-operated fields in October in a bid to answer OPEC-plus concerns over quota compliance.

Nov 19, 2024

Mansuriya gas field contract signed despite security, political challenges

China's Jereh and the local firm PetroIraq clinch a deal that could give a badly needed boost to Iraq's domestic energy supply.

Nov 12, 2024

Q&A: Jassim Kamel Marzouq, director of the Khor al-Zubair port

As Iraq’s fuel trade increases, a central hub for fuel exports and imports is expanding.

Nov 8, 2024

Cabinet advances proposal for northern oil export restart

Iraq's main political factions appear to have an initial agreement for paying Kurdistan's oil companies for exports, but legislative, legal, and practical hurdles remain.

Nov 6, 2024

Iraqi oil exports steady in October

Muted oil sales reflect Iraq's ongoing efforts to comply with OPEC-plus quota agreements.

Oct 29, 2024

September production drops in response to OPEC quota pressure

Iraq cut output at state-operated fields and shifted maintenance schedules in a bid to improve OPEC-plus compliance.

Oct 29, 2024

Iraq signs 5-plus and 6th round contracts

Thirteen deals from the May licensing round were finalized and signed at a ceremony in Baghdad, as Chinese firms further expand their footprint in Iraq’s oil sector.

Oct 22, 2024

Abdulghani returns to ministry, but leadership questions linger

The oil minister is back at his desk after a health scare, but his multi-week absence surfaced unresolved political rivalries that could shake up oil sector leadership.

Oct 18, 2024

Q&A: Ali Salman Majeed, deputy director general of South Gas Company

A top gas official discusses developments with TotalEnergies, Basra Gas Company, and other projects aiming to end flaring and produce enough products to expand exports.

Oct 8, 2024

Ali Maarij takes temporary leadership of Oil Ministry

The deputy minister has assumed acting authorities to run the ministry as Hayyan Abdulghani recovers from a health emergency.