Iraq's oil sector struggles for survival

As another grim year draws to a close, Iraq finds itself with its second-largest oilfield shutdown by terrorism, its oil exports via the Mediterranean at a standstill and the whole country short of fuel, forcing it to import gasoline, diesel and fuel oil. Its refining system and oil distribution network remain in ruins more than two-and-a-half years after the US and its allies assumed control of the country; less than a quarter of its oilfields are in production and everywhere there is the threat of violence.