The pace of attacks against the oil infrastructure continues, with 26 attacks since 1 August. (IAGS’ Iraq Pipeline Watch provides an ongoing list of attacks.) The map to the right plots the latest attacks since 1 Sep. (Click to enlarge.) The attack on that day, which disrupted the important Kirkuk-Ceyhan export pipeline, was repeated again today when saboteurs ignited the oil that had spilled around the pipeline following the initial attack thereby reigniting the major blaze that had shut production earlier.

Attacks on the infrastructure not only cripple export capabilities, critical for revenue, but essential internal services such as fuel refining and electricity generation.

Although the government may so far have been capable of defending the infrastructure against a major blow, the constant disruption can ultimately be just as destabilizing. Without consistent services such as electricity, it will be difficult for the Iraqi economy to rebound, not to mention increasing the dissatisfaction among the people. Without consistent and increasing export volumes, oil supply continues to be balanced precariously against demand.

Factor in instability in other oil regions such as Nigeria (where government forces are now battling warring militias near Port Harcourt, an important oil center in the delta, and the pre-peaking supply crunch looks to continue.

The monthly IEA reforecast of oil demand and supply is due out on Thursday.