Political uncertainty is certain in Middle East
Since the Arab Spring in 2011, the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region has faced continued political upheaval. But energy production and export remains central to its prosperity.
Kurdistan
Genel to buy stakes in Kurdistan blocks from Chevron
Genel Energy has agreed to buy stakes in the Chevron-operated Sarta and Qara Dagh blocks, in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq, for $60 million.
Genel hits oil with new Taq Taq well
Genel Energy said today that a well drilled in the northern part of the Taq Taq field in Kurdistan has struck oil.
Iraqi Kurds offer to freeze independence referendum results
Iraq’s semi-autonomous Kurdistan Regional Government said it’s prepared to freeze the results of last month’s independence referendum that triggered deadly clashes with government troops and hurt oil exports.
Updated: Oil’s geopolitical-risk rally fades as Iraq repairs crude fields
A surge in crude prices faded as Iraq sought to restore flows from fields in a disputed region after violence had curbed output in OPEC’s second-biggest producer.
Rosneft to take stake in main Kurdistan pipeline
Russian oil giant Rosneft has agreed to operate Kurdistan's main oil pipeline.
Iraq turmoil threatens billions in oil trader deals with Kurds
The crisis unfolding around the Iraqi city of Kirkuk has left some of the world’s largest commodity trading houses worried the country’s autonomous Kurdish region will struggle to repay billions of dollars in cash-for-oil loans.
Oil slides on report Kurds agree to retreat, easing tension
Oil declined following a report that Kurdish forces agreed to withdraw from areas the Iraqi army is reclaiming, easing tension in the crude-rich region.
Iraq military captures oil fields outside Kirkuk from Kurdish forces
Iraq's military has seized two major oil fields outside the disputed city of Kirkuk from Kurdish forces.
VIDEO: Oil rises after Iraqi soldiers move to take over Kurdish oil fields
Iraqi soldiers moved late Sunday to take over oilfields in the northern city of Kirkurk from Kurdish forces, pushing crude prices higher amid reports of deadly clashes. Standard University director of Iranian studies Abbas Milani weights in. Watch the video to find out more.
Opinion: Iran’s a distraction. The urgent problem is Kurdish oil
The drama around President Donald Trump and Iran's compliance with the nuclear deal has grabbed the oil world's attention. This gaze should shift west. Rising tensions in northern Iraq could have a much more immediate impact on oil flows that could lead prices higher, and squeeze producers and refiners.
Iraqi Kurds vote in referendum on independence from Baghdad
Iraqi Kurds were going to the polls on Monday to vote on whether to support independence from Baghdad in a historic but non-binding referendum that has raised regional tensions and fears of instability.
Rosneft to help pay for new Kurdistan export pipelines
Russian oil giant Rosneft said today that will soon finalise a deal to develop pipelines in the Kurdistan region of Iraq.
DNO takes of operator role for Kurdistan licence
Norwegian oil and gas operator DNO has agreed to take over the operatorship of a licence in Kurdistan from ExxonMobil.
TAQA begins production in Kurdish oil field
Abu Dhabi National Energy Company (TAQA) has begun oil production at its Atrush Block in Iraq’s Kurdish region.
New Age splits top-order roles in reshuffle
New Age has separated the roles of chairman and chief executive in a top-order shake-up.
Rosneft signs agreement to enter Kurdistan blocks
Russian oil giant Rosneft is to enter five prospective exploration blocks in Kurdistan, after signing an agreement with the regions government.
Gulf Keystone in £9.5m pay day in Kurdistan
Gulf Keystone Petroleum (GKP) said today that it had banked a £9.5million payment from Kurdistan.
Gulf Keystone narrows losses thanks to ‘safe and secure’ 2016
Gulf Keystone Petroleum (GKP) narrowed its losses in 2016 after enjoying a year of “safe and secure operations” in its stomping ground of Kurdistan.
Genel set to lose CFO, chairman search continues, reports say
Genel Energy (GENL) is to lose its chief financial officer while still struggling to find a replacement for Chairman Tony Hayward, it has been reported.
Genel boss ‘confident’, closer to monitising oil exports KRI
Genel Energy's chief executive said he was approaching 2017 with confidence as the firm was closer than ever to monetising oil exports from the Kurdistan Region of Iraq.
DNO makes Kurdistan oil discovery
Norwegian operator DNO said it has made an oil discovery in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq.
Gulf Keystone gets $15m payment for Shaikan crude oil exports
Gulf Keystone said it has received a $15million payment from the Kurdistan Regional Government for Shaikan crude oil export sales in August.
Genel Energy receives payment for Taq Taq oil sales
Genel Energy has said it has received a share of $23.37million from the Kurdisatn Regional Government for oil sales during July this year.
Gulf Keystone says debt restructuring plans still on track
Shares in Gulf Keystone Petroleum (GKP) edged up by 3% on the London exchange this morning after the company revealed a large jump in revenues in the first half of 2016.