A new behemoth or the reform Iraq needs?
Parliament has passed a law to re-create Iraq National Oil Company. It faces opposition
"We have to make reforms. Maybe not with 100% success. But we have to start. Don't just sit there and criticise—get in the middle of the politics." Ibrahim Bahr al-Ulloum is speaking as he sits on a sofa in his home in Baghdad's al-Jadriya district. An enormous tray of fruit rests on the table between us. As if to prime his argument, a sudden power cut switches off the lights and fans. Iraq's energy sector has made much progress in recent years-but electricity supply is still erratic, even in the house of a powerful parliamentarian and former oil minister. But Ulloum is feeling optimistic. After years of debate, parliament in early March passed a law to re-create Iraq National Oil Company (I
Also in this section
21 February 2025
While large-scale planned LNG schemes in sub-Saharan Africa have faced fresh problems, FLNG projects are stepping into that space
20 February 2025
Greater social mobility means increased global demand for refined fuels and petrochemical products, with Asia leading the way in the expansion of refining capacity
19 February 2025
The EU would do well to ease its gas storage requirements to avoid heavy purchase costs this summer, with the targets having created market distortion while giving sellers a significant advantage over buyers
18 February 2025
Deliveries to China decline by around 1m b/d from move to curb crude exports to Shandong port, putting Iran under further economic pressure
