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)

Feb 9, 2021

Q&A: Oil Minister Ihsan Ismaael

Gas and refining sector developments are a priority this year, but Iraq is also looking to settle longstanding disputes with the Kurdistan region and Turkey.

Feb 5, 2021

Q&A: Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Ali Allawi

Iraq's top economic and energy leader discusses OPEC policy, forward oil sales, gas projects, economic reforms, and more.

Feb 3, 2021

Oil price rebound and new crude grade boosts Iraq exports

Federal Iraq's oil revenues hit a 10-month high in January, while the Kurdistan region's sales dipped slightly.

Jan 14, 2021

UPDATE: Iraq production rises in December, capping an OPEC-constrained year

After a record-setting 2019, annual oil output fell by about 760,000 bpd as Iraq made extraordinary cuts to help support global prices.

Jan 12, 2021

Q&A: Hassan Mohammed Hassan, deputy Basra Oil chief in charge of licensing round fields and West Qurna 1

Basra's fields bore the brunt of the OPEC-plus production curtailments, and they are ready to surge as output quotas lift.

Jan 5, 2021

Iraq oil exports and revenue up in December, but down year-on-year

Oil exports ended 2020 on a relative high note, but the year saw federal Iraq post its lowest annual export volumes since 2014 and worst revenue total in more than a decade.

Dec 22, 2020

Facing financial crunch, Iraq boosts November production

Despite ongoing OPEC-plus efforts to limit global supply, Iraq increased oil output as the government desperately seeks revenue to narrow record deficits.

Dec 9, 2020

Khabbaz wells burn as security in northern oil sector worsens

Detonations at two wells early Wednesday are the latest example of inadequate security across northern Iraq.

Dec 9, 2020

Sarqala field stops trucking as Kurdistan protests expand

Field is not under threat. Decision by Gazprom Neft protects 100-plus daily tanker trucks exporting the crude.

Dec 1, 2020

Iraqi oil exports fall as OPEC scrutiny rises

Countrywide exports of 3.143 million bpd suggest Iraq has reduced output, with OPEC-plus members insisting on full quota compliance as they consider extending cuts.