Energy

Pipeline delays cap Iraq’s northern exports

The Iraqi side of the Iraq-Turkey Pipeline is still months away from coming online — a consequence of years of dysfunction that deprived Iraq of strategic export flexibility.

Workers from the State Company for Oil Projects rehabilitate the Iraqi side of the Iraq-Turkey Pipeline in February 2026. (Photo credit: SCOP)

Mar 23, 2021

Iraq production jumps as OPEC-plus pressure eases

As oil markets enter an era of higher prices and fewer OPEC constraints, Iraq appears to be preparing a push for more market share.

Mar 19, 2021

Q&A: Ninewa Gov. Najim al-Jibouri

The military commander-turned-governor says Mosul has largely succeeded in re-establishing security — but lagging support from Baghdad is hurting the local economy, including energy investment.

Mar 16, 2021

Q&A: PUK Co-President Lahur Talabany

The co-leader of Kurdistan's second-largest party discusses politicized oil policies, factionalized leadership, security risks, and Iraq's national budget.

Mar 11, 2021

Q&A: Khor al-Zubair Port Director Ahmed Jassim al-Assadi

At Iraq's main fuel import and export hub, the the port director describes the facility's layout and activities and talks about plans to expand capacity and revenue flows.

Mar 4, 2021

Q&A: Electricity Minister Majid Mahdi Hantoush

Iraq is racing to improve electricity service in time for summer — and reduce dependence on Iranian energy imports — with new cross-border tie lines, more generation capacity, and initiatives to rein in demand.

Mar 2, 2021

Iraqi crude exports rise 4 percent in February

Bolstered by higher export volumes and rising global prices, both the Iraqi federal government and the Kurdistan region achieved one-year highs for monthly oil revenue.

Feb 18, 2021

Iraq maintains steady output as OPEC meeting approaches

Nationwide oil production held at just over 4 million bpd in January, as Iraq positions itself for a meeting of the OPEC-plus coalition that will determine quotas for the second quarter of 2021.

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.