Energy

Iraq races to finalize oil deals ahead of elections

Sudani administration activates a major contract with BP and strikes preliminary agreements with ExxonMobil and Chevron as national elections near and deal-making window starts to shut.

Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani (standing, center), BP CEO Murray Auchincloss (standing, left), and Oil Minister Hayyan Abdulghan (standing, right) oversee the signing of a deal for BP to rehabilitate Kirkuk oil fields and build gas processing and power generation infrastructure at a ceremony in Baghdad on March 26, 2025. (Photo credit: Prime Minister's Office)

Feb 13, 2018

January exports dip, revenues rise

Higher global oil prices helped Iraq compensate for a slight decline in exports.

Feb 5, 2018

The Baiji refinery and the surge

In an excerpt from his new book, “Iraq and the Politics of Oil,” former U.S. oil official Gary Vogler narrates the high-stakes struggles over Iraq’s largest refinery.

Feb 4, 2018

Sonangol returns to Qayarah and Najmah

Angolan firm re-starts 2010 contracts to develop fields south of Mosul, following four-year absence after Islamic State group's invasion.

Jan 31, 2018

Iraq aims to double Majnoon output in two years

Instead of seeking an IOC to replace Shell, the Oil Ministry is relying on Basra Oil Co. - and foreign service subcontractors - to develop Majnoon.

Jan 30, 2018

Oil Ministry strengthens KAR ties

Crude flows are increasing from the federal North Oil Company in Kirkuk to KAR Group's refineries in Kurdistan, despite political obstacles arising from Baghdad-Erbil disputes.

Jan 26, 2018

Iraq production resilient despite Kirkuk shut-in

Incremental gains from southern fields have helped Iraq partially recover from temporary production stoppages at Bai Hassan and Avana.

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.