Crude oil

The trajectory of Iraq's oil supply since 1980 confirms the malignant influence of
multiple conflicts, as production peaks have been followed by sharp declines in every
decade (Figures 1 and 2). Maximum production value of 1979, due to supergiant fields:
Kirkuk in the north of the country (since 1920) and Rumaila in the south (since 1950); it
was surpassed only in 2016 with an average value of 4.3 mb/d. As for the condition of
Iraq's transport, storage and export infrastructure, although it is improving, it has been
a serious constraint on progress in the energy sector. Processing facilities, pumping
stations, pipelines, etc. saw their condition deteriorate in the 1990s, as international
sanctions interfered with proper maintenance. Some spare parts and equipment were
brought in under the terms of the United Nations oil-for-food programme Iraq's
exports by sea pass through existing maritime terminals: Al-Basrah Oil Terminal (ABOT)
and Khor al-Amaya Oil Terminal (KAAOT). Iraq's other main export route is the
northern pipeline route to Ceyhan. The Strategic Oil Pipeline, a reversible national link,
connects the south to central and northern Iraq for export through the Gulf, through
Turkey or to refineries around Baghdad.
Natural Gas
Iraq’s gas production is dominated by associated gas and has therefore followed the
rollercoaster profile of oil output. Historically, much of this gas was flared: Iraq began
investing in large-scale gas processing facilities only in the 1980s and in the
maintenance and expansion of these facilities has not kept pace with the volumes
produced. Burning is a big waste given the continuing deficit in Iraq's electricity supply
and has environmental effects.
Petroleum products
The country's three largest refineries are in Baiji, Doura and Basra. (complemented by
a large number of small plants). The range of petroleum products produced by Iraqi
refineries is well below their national needs and the possibilities offered by modern
and more complex refineries.
Electricity
One of the main obstacles to the economic and social development of Iraq is the lack
of reliable electricity supply. Despite a significant increase in grid-based electricity
capacity in recent years, it is still far from sufficient to meet demand. About 90% of
Iraqi households supplement the public grid with private generators, either a private
household generator or a shared generator (neighbourhood level). Private generators
reduce the number of blackouts and also bring benefits in terms of flexibility and
electricity supply to rural areas. However, although private generators receive
subsidized fuel from the government, the price of electricity provided to consumers is
higher than the electricity grid, which is why end users seek to concentrate their
consumption as much as possible when grid electricity is available, aggravating
problems with the reliability of the system. (Not to mention the high peaks in the
summer months).