Energy

Iraq begins nationwide production shutdowns

With exports halted by war, Iraq has limited options to keep fields operating and has begun taking millions of barrels of daily production offline.

Oil Minister Hayyan Abdulghani (center) meets with his deputies to plan for production cuts in anticipation of a shutdown in southern oil exports on March 2, 2026. (Photo credit: Oil Ministry)

Mar 9, 2023

Oil Ministry eases Kurdistan blacklist pressure

The Sudani administration appears to be turning a blind eye to the blacklist policy enacted by the previous government against KRG oil sector companies.

Mar 2, 2023

Fiscal, technical, and political challenges crimp KRG oil output

Oil companies warn of further production declines as Kurdistan's payment problems discourage investment.

Feb 28, 2023

New oil law negotiations highlight old divisions

In early talks between Baghdad and Erbil, negotiators have outlined the same points of conflict that have stalled oil legislation since 2007.

Feb 21, 2023

Iraq signs 5th round contracts, previews potential 6th round

Iraq has finally inked deals first awarded in 2018, raising hopes for the Oil Ministry's efforts to prepare a sixth contract licensing round.

Feb 17, 2023

TotalEnergies extends deadline to conclude $27bn Iraq deal

After negotiations nearly fell apart two weeks ago, the French firm gave until Feb. 15 to finalize a deal — a deadline now extended by one month.

Feb 16, 2023

Mansuriya deal collapsing after Sinopec requests contract overhaul

The Oil Ministry is considering a backup plan of offering the gas field in a new contract licensing round.

Feb 14, 2023

Q&A: Habib Abdul-Ameer Aoda, Deputy Manager of the FCC Project at Shuaiba Refinery

A long-delayed upgrade of Iraq's largest refinery is now moving forward, promising to boost high-octane fuel production and reduce dependence on imports.

Feb 14, 2023

KRG misses deadline to end gas flaring

Payment delays to oil companies and bureaucratic disarray have kept the KRG from meeting its own ambitious target for ending the wasteful and polluting practice at several fields.

Feb 9, 2023

Talks advance for Exxon to exit West Qurna 1

ExxonMobil is aiming to sell its stake to two buyers, Pertamina and Iraq’s state-run BOC, leaving PetroChina to take over as operator.

Feb 8, 2023

January oil exports dip as Iraq begins year of OPEC constraints

Both federal and KRG oil sales fell slightly as OPEC-plus gave no sign of lifting production caps.