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)

Aug 18, 2023

Upcoming Iraq-Turkey diplomacy aims for pipeline progress

Imminent ministerial-level visits to Baghdad and Ankara are likely to address major challenges to restarting Iraq’s northern exports.

Aug 9, 2023

KRG starts work to expand gas pipeline network

Construction is underway on a new pipeline to bring gas supplies from the Khor Mor field up to Dohuk.

Aug 2, 2023

Partial budget payment highlights divide in Baghdad-Erbil negotiations

The KRG has received 598 billion dinars under the new budget law — a fraction of its theoretical monthly entitlement.

Jul 28, 2023

Baghdad and Erbil claim progress toward budget implementation

Key details remain unresolved, including the lynchpin issue of whether oil companies will get paid enough to enable KRG fields to restart.

Jul 25, 2023

KRG begins implementing budget law with crude transfers to Baghdad

Sign of cooperation bolsters KRG argument for starting federal budget transfers.

Jul 19, 2023

Iraq’s June oil production steady, but losses mount for KRG operators

Federal crude output continues trend of small monthly gains in June, partially compensating for loss of Kurdistan production due to ongoing pipeline outage.

Jul 17, 2023

Ali Maarij to be named Iraq’s deputy oil minister

Current deputy, Laith al-Shahir, former head of legal directorate, reaches mandatory retirement age.

Jul 14, 2023

New life for Iraq’s southern oil export expansion

A $417M subsea pipeline project that was funded and then suspended over the past two months has gotten Cabinet approval again, with a half million barrel per day capacity increase slated for next year.

Jul 12, 2023

Basra refinery expansion delayed by contract dispute

The delay is the latest for the project that was supposed to be completed in 2018, and is sorely needed to expand fuel supply, reduce purchase costs, and provide an additional outlet for Iraqi crude output.

Jul 9, 2023

GGIP signing on July 10 marks progress on $27B project

Final paperwork expected to be signed Monday between Iraq and TotalEnergies, after which the company will begin to take over the Ratawi oil field operations.