Energy

New SOMO director named as Iraq reshuffles oil sector leadership

Ali Nazar al-Shatari will be Iraq's new head of oil marketing as the Sudani government makes changes across several top oil posts.

SOMO Deputy Director General and Head of Crude Ali Nazar al-Shatari (right), at the Nov. 30, 2016, OPEC meeting in Vienna with then-Iraqi Oil Minister Jabbar Ali al-Luiebi (center), and then-SOMO Director General Falah Alamri (left). (Source: OPEC Media Office)

Jun 14, 2022

Baghdad threatens Kurdistan oil contractors with blacklist

Expansive policy targets both IOCs and sub-contractors, raising pressure on Kurdistan's oil sector amidst legal battles.

Jun 9, 2022

Kurdistan opens new front in Baghdad legal battles

A new lawsuit filed in Erbil could complicate the Oil Ministry's legal action in Baghdad against Kurdistan's oil companies.

Jun 8, 2022

Iraq exports dip but revenues hit new record

Monthly oil revenues topped $11 billion, boosted by high global prices, but export levels slipped as Iraq bumps up against infrastructure constraints.

Jun 5, 2022

Court postpones hearing in case against Kurdistan’s IOCs

Oil companies did not send authorized representatives to court Sunday, prompting a delay in the Oil Ministry's new lawsuit seeking to enforce a landmark ruling against Kurdistan's oil sector.

Jun 2, 2022

Baghdad launches legal action against Kurdistan’s oil companies

IOCs summoned to appear in federal commercial court as Oil Ministry also signals international legal campaign against Kurdistan's oil sector independence.

May 27, 2022

Despite turbulence, Kurdistan’s IOCs look to raise spending and output

High oil prices are spurring international oil companies in Kurdistan to raise production, even as they face new legal threats, political upheaval, and commercial uncertainty.

May 19, 2022

Iraq’s April oil production holds steady

Output increases at several IOC-operated fields in southern Iraq were offset by cuts from Basra's state-operated fields.

May 19, 2022

Q&A: Electricity Minister Adel Karim

As Iraq approaches the summer peak of electricity demand, another crisis is looming as the caretaker government lacks the budget authority to boost power supply.

May 17, 2022

Tensions rise over alleged intrusion at Kirkuk oil wells

Iraq's North Oil Company has accused the KRG of trying to grab control of oil wells at Bai Hassan field, reflecting a long history of mistrust and political friction.

May 11, 2022

Gas pipeline stalled by intra-Kurdish political rifts

KRG leaders have been touting the potential for major gas exports to Turkey and Europe, but worsening political rivalries are so far preventing pipeline construction.