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)

Jan 24, 2018

Ministry drops Nassiriya Integrated Project

Iraq had attempted to pair the Nassiriya oil field and refinery projects to lure investors, but now the state-run DQOC will develop the field on its own, ending negotiations with a Chinese consortium.

Jan 18, 2018

BP is back in Kirkuk

A memorandum of understanding promises to re-start BP's reservoir studies, and could lead to a long-term development deal.

Jan 18, 2018

Iraq pushes electricity reform, prompting protests

New efforts to charge consumers for power could reduce consumption, increase state revenues, and alleviate budget pressures – but they are proving a very hard sell.

Jan 10, 2018

Oil Ministry rebuffs Parliament order against KAR

Despite a non-binding Parliament vote, the ministry indicated it will take a practical approach to continue working with the Iraqi Kurdish company enmeshed in northern Iraq's oil sector.

Jan 9, 2018

Parliament votes to oust KAR from Kirkuk

The non-binding directive against the Iraqi Kurdish oil firm KAR Group further weakens the prospect of renewed Baghdad-Erbil oil cooperation.

Jan 9, 2018

Iraq finalizes IOC list for May 7 bidding round

Among the companies pre-qualified for new fields and blocks are at least eight with activities in Kurdistan's oil sector.

Jan 9, 2018

Houston firm likely to land Nahr Bin Omar deal

Iraq to sign with Orion Gas Processors to halt flaring and monetize associated gas at state-run field.

Jan 5, 2018

KRG exports tick up in December

Kurdistan's fourth-quarter exports plummeted after Baghdad's takeover of Kirkuk-area fields, but independent oil sales have risen modestly due to recent production increases.

Jan 3, 2018

UPDATE: Record year for Iraq oil exports

In 2017, federal Iraq averaged more daily crude exports than ever before and a 37 percent revenue increase over 2016.

Dec 11, 2017

Q&A: Bassim Mohammed Khudair, director general of the Iraq Drilling Company

Iraq's state drilling company builds its credentials as it competes with international service companies for international oil company contracts in Iraq.