Iraqi authorities have discovered several small-scale smuggling rackets in and around Basra over the past year.
Iraqi security forces shot protesters in an escalation of chronic frustration with a lack of jobs and services, including salty water that shut down the Basra refinery.
Federal oil exports increased, but the oil price pushed down earnings, and Kurdistan tanker loadings slowed due to outages.
Kurdistan scolded for late response to court, as both it and federal government instructed to present additional legal arguments.
Kirkuk production has increased, but the Oil Ministry's efforts to find new routes to market for stranded capacity are incomplete.
After just six months in production, the Subba field is faltering due to bureaucratic dysfunction, tight budgets, and insufficient processing infrastructure.
A 12-person committee will study best international best practices and develop recommendations for implementing a new law to re-create the Iraq National Oil Company.
Efforts to tap Kirkuk's stranded capacity and output increases in Basra help Iraq take advantage of recent oil price strength.
Despite operating under a caretaker Cabinet, the Oil Ministry's contracting chief is trying to sustain momentum on the 5th bidding round and other major projects.
After years circling the periphery of Iraq's oil sector, Chevron has signed a non-binding agreement to discuss projects in Basra and Dhi Qar provinces.
