Tensions are rising in Iraq’s southern Basra province – the country’s oil-producing heartland. Oil output is running at record levels. But infrastructure to process rising associated gas output has not kept pace: flaring is also at record levels, and the country lacks the cash to import sufficient liquid fuel.

Iraqis in the southern Basra province, hub of the oil industry, are seething with anger over the shortage of electricity during the hellish summer months. (CONTINUED - 2172 WORDS)