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)

May 19, 2021

Remembering Adnan Samarrai, Iraqi oil industry veteran

The widely respected geologist, whose career spanned decades in both federal Iraq and Kurdistan, died May 1 after contracting coronavirus.

May 19, 2021

UPDATE: Saudi company Delta Oil in talks to develop Akkas gas field

Saudi Arabia's Delta Oil Company is a potential partner along with U.S. firm Schlumberger to bring badly needed investment and gas supply to Anbar province.

May 14, 2021

Sarqala power plant highlights KRG progress on gas flaring

Several projects still wastefully burn associated gas, but a new power plant is the latest sign that Kurdistan is harnessing gas to boost electricity and reduce expensive fuel imports.

May 12, 2021

April oil production ticks upward

As OPEC-plus quotas ease, Iraq is bringing dormant production capacity back online.

May 11, 2021

Q&A: Dhi Qar Gov. Ahmed al-Khafaji

Weeks after taking office, Dhi Qar's new governor discusses aspirations for quelling oil protests, raising employment, and attracting investment.

May 6, 2021

Q&A: Sheikh Kadhim Majeed al-Sarayefi

A Basra tribal leader discusses his business relationship with international oil companies, the need for private-sector development, and the problem of tribal violence.

May 4, 2021

April oil revenues drop slightly despite increased exports

Because of weaker global oil prices, Iraqi oil revenues dropped 5 percent even though exports ticked upward.

May 1, 2021

Oil Ministry objects to Iraqi budget law, citing risks to oil sector

Iraq cannot pay oil companies on time under its 2021 budget law, the Oil Ministry said in an official letter seeking a legal intervention.

Apr 28, 2021

March production dips, but Iraq eyes capacity surge

Nationwide oil output fell by 100,000 bpd, but the Oil Ministry is poised to bring new production online as OPEC quotas look set to ease.

Apr 26, 2021

Q&A: Dhia Shaker al-Luaibi, director of Majnoon oil field

Basra Oil Company's field manager at Majnoon talks foreign interest and Iraqi success in developing the field once operated by Shell.