Energy

Iraq terminates Akkas contract, drawing legal threats

Cabinet taps state-run Midland Oil Company as operator for fast-track gas field development with help from SLB, but contentious ouster of Ukrzemresurs could spark litigation.

Personnel from the Ukrainian company Ukrzemresurs pose in front of the Akk-1 well at the Akkas gas field after completing emergency maintenance work in the first quarter of 2025. (Photo credit: Ukrzemresurs)

Apr 10, 2023

March oil exports slump by 200,000 bpd due to pipeline halt

Iraq's northern exports remain offline in the aftermath of a landmark arbitration win against Turkey, with restart timing still unclear.

Apr 8, 2023

Analysis: Iraq’s arbitration win reshapes Baghdad-Erbil relationship

Key details of the landmark Iraq-Turkey arbitration ruling have big implications for the future of Baghdad-Erbil power dynamics and the KRG oil sector.

Apr 5, 2023

Karbala refinery begins to come online

The long-delayed refinery has partially opened with production of heavy fuel oil and the promise of lighter products to come.

Apr 5, 2023

TotalEnergies, QatarEnergy confirm deal to move forward on Iraq mega-projects

TotalEnergies will lead a consortium with the Basra Oil Company and QatarEnergy after overcoming difficult negotiations with Iraq over the government's stake in a potentially transformational set of energy deals.

Apr 4, 2023

UPDATE: Iraq approves compromise on TotalEnergies mega-deal

Iraq's Cabinet has approved a reduced 30 percent stake for the state in an effort to unlock a $27 billion deal that could be critical for boosting oil, gas, and electricity supplies.

Apr 4, 2023

Baghdad, Erbil sign temporary deal to resume northern exports

Signing ceremony signals strong political backing for agreement, but pipeline flows remain shut as technical details are still being negotiated.

Apr 2, 2023

Progress in Baghdad-Erbil talks over northern export restart

Under a provisional compromise deal, SOMO would take over selling crude and KRG would keep control of its oil revenue.

Mar 30, 2023

KRG export outage continues as negotiations falter

Oil companies are beginning to shut down oil production after a landmark arbitration ruling that led Turkey to halt Iraq's northern exports.

Mar 28, 2023

TotalEnergies takes hard line with Iraq on GGIP

CEO frames negotiations as a test of Iraq's ability to prioritize respect for contracts over political expedience.

Mar 25, 2023

Turkey halts Iraq’s northern exports after landmark arbitration ruling

Baghdad's legal victory appears to be altering the balance of power that has enabled Kurdistan's oil sector independence.