Refinery sector revolts over oil pricing reform

One week after the Cabinet decided to overhaul the economics of the refining sector, workers are protesting, managers are lobbying for alternatives, and the government has delayed implementation.

Iraqi refinery workers protest on Aug. 24, 2026 at the headquarters of the state-run South Refineries Company. (ALI AL-AQILY/Iraq Oil Report)

Energy

Tripartite northern export deal renewed, spurring Kurdistan field restarts

Northern export volumes are set to rise after a three-way agreement between Baghdad, Erbil, and IOCs was extended to January 2027.

Politics

Cabinet passes oil sector reforms, seeking fiscal relief

New measures could overhaul domestic crude and fuel sales and revamp exports in a bid for higher revenues and quicker access to cash.

Security

Renewed drone threats put Iraq’s energy recovery at risk

Twin threats to southern oil exports and Kurdistan's gas supply show Iran-aligned armed groups can still hit Iraq's energy lifelines.

Interviews

Q&A: Bassim Mohammed Khudair, Deputy Oil Minister for Upstream

Iraq's top upstream oil official confirms that production, curtailed by war, is ready to surge back online — but only once ships can reliably resume Basra Gulf export loadings.