Subscribe 

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)
Apr 2, 2012

Record exports as KRG cuts oil

The KRG has stopped sending oil through Baghdad's pipelines, but Iraq's record exports in the south could offset that loss.

Mar 27, 2012

KRG demands say over Kirkuk field

Kurdistan has denounced Baghdad's potential deal for Kirkuk oil development with BP, and reiterated threats to stop exports over nonpayment.

Mar 16, 2012

KRG threatens export cutoff

A year-old export agreement with Baghdad appears to be going sour, as Kurdistan demands $1 billion in backlogged payments and levies allegations of missing oil.

Mar 7, 2012

Iraq fights for transparency bid

Overcoming resistance from companies favoring secrecy, Iraq has published the first report on its road to international transparency certification.

Feb 15, 2012

Basra gains clout amidst protests

Locals near the Shell-operated Majnoon oil field staged demonstrations over unemployment, as visiting leaders from Baghdad met provincial demands for more powers and better services.

Feb 14, 2012

Exxon has ‘days’ to respond

Deputy PM says ExxonMobil must soon respond to Baghdad's ultimatum and freeze deals in Kurdistan or else lose all opportunities in southern Iraq.