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)

Oct 25, 2012

EXCLUSIVE: Full text of the new Kurdistan export deal

As Iraqi leaders take tentative steps toward oil policy reconciliation, Iraq Oil Report publishes the agreement – signed Sept. 13, but secret until now – that sets the rules of the road ahead.

Oct 25, 2012

Budget battle over Kurdistan exports

The KRG is fighting to embed its recent export agreement with Baghdad in the 2013 budget law, to guarantee payments for its oil contractors.

Oct 22, 2012

Q&A: Iraq analyst Raad Alkadiri

A widely sought consultant and veteran Iraq observer, Raad Alkadiri shares his insight into the effect of the country's political crises on oil investment.

Oct 22, 2012

Beyond the Headlines: October 22, 2012

Standoff between Tigris force, Kirkuk police Workers file Petronas complaint Iraq christens new ship Radiation screening at Diyala-Iran border

Oct 16, 2012

Beyond the Headlines: Oct. 15, 2012

Army raids Ramadi construction site Basra power plant to boost service Diyala calls for meeting on oil law Dhi Qar inks sewage overhaul

Oct 10, 2012

Beyond the Headlines: Oct. 9, 2012

Kirkuk eschews oil autonomy Basra approves $56m power projects Missan drilling progress continues Shell launches Basra training project

Oct 9, 2012

Payment confirmed, distrust continues

As Kurdistan receives $541 million from Baghdad – the first payment in a new export deal – a conflict is brewing over a second tranche.

Oct 4, 2012

Kurdish contractors threaten export cutoff over payment delay

Frustrated companies are threatening to stop production amidst payment holdups, while Baghdad initiates a $514 million transfer for past exports.

Oct 3, 2012

Iraq’s oil rivals building ‘thin confidence’

As Baghdad approves a $541 million payment to Kurdistan, leaders hope their budding good will can lead to a long-term resolution of oil disputes.

Oct 2, 2012

Luaibi, Hawrami to lead oil law negotiations

In its first meeting, a special committee has designated two of its members – the oil ministers from Baghdad and the KRG – to write legislation that could structure Iraq's oil sector.