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)

Feb 4, 2020

Iraqi oil exports and revenues drop in rough start to the year

Oil sales throughout the country declined last month, as the price of oil drops.

Jan 27, 2020

Nassiriya production returns as protesting tribe stands down

Less than a week after it was shut in, Nassiriya is back in operation following an agreement between the Dhi Qar Oil Company and local tribes demanding jobs.

Jan 24, 2020

Iraq approves all 5th bidding round deals, aims to boost gas supply

With Iranian gas imports dwindling and U.S. sanctions threats looming, Iraq takes steps aimed at quickly addressing both challenges.

Jan 22, 2020

Iraqi production hits new annual high

Despite OPEC constraints, Iraq set an all-time record for production in 2019 while building significant, new spare capacity.

Jan 21, 2020

Contract delays put BP’s Kirkuk future in limbo

After finishing a reservoir study, BP knows what it will take to revitalize Kirkuk's oil fields — but no development contract is imminent.

Jan 21, 2020

Protests force Nassiriya oil field offline again

For the second time in less than a month, protesters in southern Iraq have impeded staff from accessing the 80,000 bpd oil field.

Jan 20, 2020

Protests around Ahdab threaten production

Ahdab field still producing, officials say, though protesters using road and checkpoint blockages could create logistical obstacles that could shut in fields.

Jan 16, 2020

December production stumbles on temporary Rumaila outage

Iraq finished 2019 with its lowest monthly production average of the year due to OPEC cuts and a brief output drop at its most prolific field.

Jan 15, 2020

Oil workers injured in shootout near Halfaya

A tribal dispute over contracts burst into violence, with field employees caught in the crossfire.

Jan 13, 2020

Oil Ministry shakeup sees new IOC contracts chief and return of ex-Basra oil director

Ameedi's replacement by Maarij is one of many changes as a new retirement mandates kick in and Ghadhban continues staffing reshuffle.