Energy

Iran reversal on Strait of Hormuz threatens Iraq’s nascent export restart

Iranian forces blocked a tanker carrying Iraqi crude, dampening hopes for a durable resumption of Iraq's southern exports.

The Agios Fanourios I tanker prepares to dock at a single point mooring buoy in the Basra Gulf in April 2026 for the first loading of crude from Iraq's southern export outlets in more than a month. (Photo credit: Ministry of Transportation)

Sep 23, 2018

Iraq seeks sanctions waiver on vital Iran energy trade

Iraq depends on Iran for more than one-third of its power generation — a major sticking point as Washington prepares to re-impose sanctions.

Sep 21, 2018

Iraq poised to capitalize on OPEC supply drops

With more than 300,000 bpd of new capacity coming online this year, Iraq is well positioned to take market share as U.S. sanctions snap back on Iran.

Sep 17, 2018

Q&A: SOMO Director General Alaa al-Yassiri

Iraq's oil marketing chief discusses rising export capacity, OPEC dynamics, oil trading joint ventures, and the status of a nascent hedging program.

Sep 11, 2018

August production soars as Iraq grabs market share

For the second straight month, Iraq has increased production by more than 100,000 bpd as it unleashes latent capacity.

Sep 10, 2018

Baiji refinery begins its comeback

Despite ongoing violence, including a weekend pipeline bombing, the Baiji refinery's resumption of operations marks progress in Iraq's northern oil sector.

Sep 10, 2018

Baghdad-KRG oil rights case delayed again

Iraq's Federal Supreme Court is struggling to appoint impartial technical experts to help parse the arguments over the legality of Kurdistan's independent oil sector.

Sep 5, 2018

Violent protests reignite in Iraq’s oil capital

The recent killing of a protester fueled renewed anti-government demonstrations in Basra city and around several oil fields, some of which turned deadly.

Sep 2, 2018

Iraqi oil exports and revenues skyrocket in August

Surge in output from both federal Iraq and Kurdistan were backed by increasing oil prices.

Aug 29, 2018

Court replaces expert in oil rights case

The Supreme Court rescinded the appointment of a technical expert after KRG lawyers challenged his objectivity, further delaying a case to adjudicate Baghdad-KRG oil disputes.

Aug 29, 2018

Basra calls on oil companies to solve water crisis

The Basra governor wants to hold IOCs responsible for building treatment plants for a province starved of clean water.