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)

Jul 11, 2018

Four killed protecting pipeline warehouse outside Kirkuk

Unknown assailants alleged to be the self-proclaimed Islamic State killed workers at a pipeline warehouse in Dibis, northwest of Kirkuk.

Jul 11, 2018

Low-level smuggling is high stakes for local officials

Iraqi authorities have discovered several small-scale smuggling rackets in and around Basra over the past year.

Jul 9, 2018

Protester killed in services protest outside Basra oil field

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.

Jul 2, 2018

Iraqi oil exports steady in June though federal revenues fall

Federal oil exports increased, but the oil price pushed down earnings, and Kurdistan tanker loadings slowed due to outages.

Jun 28, 2018

Supreme Court delays crucial oil rights ruling

Kurdistan scolded for late response to court, as both it and federal government instructed to present additional legal arguments.

Jun 22, 2018

Bai Hassan is back online as Iraqi production grows

Kirkuk production has increased, but the Oil Ministry's efforts to find new routes to market for stranded capacity are incomplete.

Jun 21, 2018

Subba field risks shut-down

After just six months in production, the Subba field is faltering due to bureaucratic dysfunction, tight budgets, and insufficient processing infrastructure.

Jun 20, 2018

Oil Ministry order sets INOC in motion

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.

Jun 14, 2018

May production rises to greet high prices

Efforts to tap Kirkuk's stranded capacity and output increases in Basra help Iraq take advantage of recent oil price strength.

Jun 12, 2018

Q&A: Abdul Mahdy al-Ameedi, head of Iraq’s oil contracts

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.