Energy

Iraq seeks backup export options as Basra loadings falter

Cabinet orders emergency package for boosting oil sales after dropping to a multi-decade low in May.

Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi (center right), Oil Minister Bassim Mohammed Khudair (far left), and Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein (second from left) confer at a Cabinet meeting in Baghdad on June 2, 2026. (Photo credit: Oil Ministry)

Jul 14, 2025

Q&A: Ali Shaddad al-Faris, MP and spokesperson for the Parliament Oil and Gas Committee

Longtime energy MP talks about U.S. pressure on Baghdad and Erbil, the blame he places on KRG oil tactics, and the upside of the sitting oil minister entering elections.

Jul 9, 2025

Baghdad-KRG stalemate continues over oil disputes

Budget transfers to Kurdistan have been frozen since May as negotiations to restart oil exports falter.

Jul 7, 2025

Iraq oil exports steady in June

Iraq's crude sales held steady month-on-month despite minor disruptions apparently stemming from the Israel-Iran war.

Jul 3, 2025

Drone attacks signal elevated risks for Kurdistan

A barrage of drone attacks in the past four days highlights rising security threats stemming from regional conflicts and Baghdad-Erbil political tensions.

Jun 23, 2025

Iraqi oil sector weathers Iran conflict

Production and exports have not suffered major interruptions so far, but exodus of foreign oil workers and border closures highlight risks of disruption.

Jun 22, 2025

Iraq oil production rises in May

Recovery at Rumaila and surging Kirkuk fields power slight increase in national production.

Jun 13, 2025

New leadership for South Gas Company

Ali Salman Majeed is named interim head of the state company responsible for boosting domestic gas supply and ending flaring in southern Iraq.

Jun 2, 2025

Iraq’s May oil exports decrease in nod to OPEC-plus commitments

Exports fell by 87,000 bpd month-on-month as Iraq signaled its intention to adhere to production pledges and support global oil prices.

May 30, 2025

Baghdad threatens to choke off KRG funding

Political tensions skyrocket after recently announced gas deals, resulting in legal challenges and threats to Kurdistan's budget.

May 23, 2025

Iraq signs another major integrated energy deal

Basra's Tuba oil field is the centerpiece of a Chinese-Iraqi consortium's mega-deal that includes upstream, refining, petrochemicals, and power generation.