Political upheaval in Baghdad reverberates across oil sector

In the increasingly chaotic struggle to form a new government, Iraq's oil sector has been both a political battleground and a victim of dysfunctional governance.

Supporters of Muqtada al-Sadr stage a sit-in at the Parliament building in Baghdad on Aug. 1, 2022. (WISSAM AL-OKAILI/Reuters)

Energy

Iraq enforces KRG blacklist policy against four oil service companies

Weatherford and three other companies with subcontracts in Kurdistan are barred from work in southern Iraq, as Baghdad continues campaign to reverse KRG oil sector independence.

Politics

KRG shifts legal tactics as Baghdad court delays further rulings

Oil Ministry lawsuits against three IOCs operating in Kurdistan remain undecided as a KRG lawyer asks to join the proceedings as a third party.

Security

Rocket strike causes fire at Khor Mor gas field

Four attacks in two months have targeted the gas field, which provides the vast majority of the feedstock for Iraqi Kurdistan’s electricity supply.

Interviews

Muhammad Fazza Abed, Director of Karbala refinery. (STAFF/Iraq Oil Report)

Q&A: Muhammad Fazza Abed, Director of Karbala refinery

The 140,000 bpd ultra-modern Karbala refinery, federal Iraq's first large greenfield build in decades, is in the final stages of pre-commissioning now and is set for an October startup.