A new lawsuit filed in Erbil could complicate the Oil Ministry's legal action in Baghdad against Kurdistan's oil companies.
Monthly oil revenues topped $11 billion, boosted by high global prices, but export levels slipped as Iraq bumps up against infrastructure constraints.
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.
IOCs summoned to appear in federal commercial court as Oil Ministry also signals international legal campaign against Kurdistan's oil sector independence.
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.
Output increases at several IOC-operated fields in southern Iraq were offset by cuts from Basra's state-operated fields.
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.
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.
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.
The Samawah oil refinery is pushing to improve the quality of its fuel output and eventually double its size from a current capacity of 30,000 bpd.
