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)

Dec 18, 2022

New leadership for Basra Oil Company

Bassem Abdul Karim has been appointed director general of BOC, the first major oil sector leadership change under Oil Minister Hayyan Abdulghani.

Dec 15, 2022

Iraqi crude output falls as tighter OPEC quotas take effect

Crude production and exports decreased in November as Iraq began output cuts in response to tighter OPEC-plus output targets.

Dec 15, 2022

Turkish strikes threaten Syrian crude exports to Iraqi Kurdistan

Turkey’s latest military campaign is targeting energy infrastructure in northeast Syria, depriving the Kurdish-led autonomous region of fuel and power — and potentially export revenue.

Dec 13, 2022

Sudani seeks warmer ties with KRG, starting with budget talks

The 2023 national budget is the first test of the new Iraqi prime minister's pledge to improve relations between Baghdad and Erbil.

Dec 1, 2022

Q&A: Assad Muhair Karim, director general for southern electricity transmission

Iraq is racing to upgrade transmission infrastructure and improve electricity service in the south in time for next summer.

Dec 1, 2022

Q&A: Bafel Talabani, President of the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan

The PUK leader discusses deteriorating political rivalries within Kurdistan and their impact on both gas development and impending negotiations with Baghdad over oil rights.

Nov 18, 2022

Widening divide between Kurdistan’s ruling parties raises new risks

Leaders are openly discussing the dissolution of a strategic agreement for united governance that has underpinned Kurdistan's stability and oil sector independence.

Nov 16, 2022

Oil production steady as new PM urges review of OPEC quota

October oil output stayed near Iraq's high-water mark for the year as the newly elected prime minister expressed support for OPEC-plus but criticism of Iraq's quota.

Nov 13, 2022

Smuggling bust unravels into scandal of murder and political intrigue

An oil smuggling ring was stealing thousands of barrels per day from a pipeline in Basra. The true contours of the conspiracy remain a mystery.

Nov 3, 2022

October oil exports and revenues rise

Nationwide exports increased by 36,000 bpd in October, but imminent OPEC-plus cuts could crimp sales in November.