Politics

Iraq grapples with power shortages and Iran sanctions as summer looms

The expiration of a U.S. sanctions waiver on Iranian electricity imports is complicating Baghdad's balancing act between Tehran and Washington, while the government scrambles for power supply ahead of peak demand season.

Workers from the Southern Projects Commission of Iraq's State Company for Oil Projects assemble a pipeline designed to carry regassified LNG imported via the Khor al-Zubair port in Basra to power stations in February 2025. (ALI AL-AQILY/Iraq Oil Report)

Jun 28, 2022

Oil services companies bow to Baghdad blacklist

Oil Ministry pressure tactics are beginning to inflict pain in the wake of the Federal Supreme Court's landmark ruling against Kurdistan's energy sector.

Jun 23, 2022

Erbil court postpones case against Oil Ministry leaders

Defending its oil sector independence, the KRG has so far succeeded at entangling Baghdad's legal offensive in procedural delays.

Jun 20, 2022

Court again delays Baghdad lawsuit against Kurdistan IOCs

Baghdad's Commercial Court again postponed the Oil Ministry's lawsuit against seven oil companies operating in Kurdistan.

Jun 14, 2022

Q&A: Finance Minister Ali Allawi

Allawi discusses ending Kurdistan budget transfers, new expenditures under a stop-gap spending law, power payments to Iran, and implementing a Chinese financing deal.

Jun 14, 2022

Baghdad threatens Kurdistan oil contractors with blacklist

Expansive policy targets both IOCs and sub-contractors, raising pressure on Kurdistan's oil sector amidst legal battles.

Jun 9, 2022

Kurdistan opens new front in Baghdad legal battles

A new lawsuit filed in Erbil could complicate the Oil Ministry's legal action in Baghdad against Kurdistan's oil companies.

Jun 5, 2022

Court postpones hearing in case against Kurdistan’s IOCs

Oil companies did not send authorized representatives to court Sunday, prompting a delay in the Oil Ministry's new lawsuit seeking to enforce a landmark ruling against Kurdistan's oil sector.

Jun 2, 2022

Baghdad launches legal action against Kurdistan’s oil companies

IOCs summoned to appear in federal commercial court as Oil Ministry also signals international legal campaign against Kurdistan's oil sector independence.

May 26, 2022

Atroshi resigns from KRG Ministry of Natural Resources

The nominal leader of Kurdistan's oil sector has stepped down after a 16-month tenure marked by bureaucratic turf wars, strained relations with oil companies, and health problems.

May 17, 2022

Tensions rise over alleged intrusion at Kirkuk oil wells

Iraq's North Oil Company has accused the KRG of trying to grab control of oil wells at Bai Hassan field, reflecting a long history of mistrust and political friction.