Exxon reportedly pulls out of three Kurdistan exploration blocks

• Exxon Mobil (XOM -0.6%) has pulled out of half of the six oil exploration blocks it operated in the Kurdistan region, according to the Iraq Oil Report.
• No reason was provided, but international oil companies have renounced 19 exploration blocks in Kurdistan since 2014; Chevron relinquished its interest in Kurdistan's Rovi block late last year but has continued to test wells in the Sarta area.
• XOM retains 80% operating stakes in three Kurdistan blocks.