Iraq’s Oil Exports Reach 2.6 Million Barrels Per Day, Ministry Says

Reuters

The Zubair Oil Field in Basra, Iraq, 6 April 2026.

Iraq’s Ministry of Oil announced on Sunday that the country’s national refineries are operating at full production capacity, while strategic fuel reserves have been secured through long-term contracts.

The ministry also said Iraq’s crude oil exports from southern and northern routes total around 2.6 million barrels per day, amid challenges affecting maritime traffic through the Strait of Hormuz.

Ministry spokesman Salim al-Rikabi told Iraq's state media (INA) that contracts for high-octane petrol and gas oil were aimed at meeting domestic demand and strengthening strategic reserves. He said contracted volumes range between 4,000 and 5,000 cubic metres per day, depending on import availability.

Al-Rikabi said national refineries were operating at full capacity, adding that plans were in place to increase refining capacity through the expansion of several facilities, including the Diwaniyah and Maysan refineries.

He explained that the majority of Iraq’s crude exports pass through southern ports, which are affected by developments in maritime traffic and the situation in the Strait of Hormuz. The remainder is exported through other routes, including via Turkey and Syria.

Al-Rikabi said the State Organization for Marketing Oil (SOMO) sells crude through port-based offerings at the best available prices, using a fixed discount rate, while negotiations are continuing to secure higher prices.

He further said contracted quantities of high-octane petrol and gas oil would cover domestic requirements for several months, with daily supplies helping to bridge the gap between production and consumption.

According to al-Rikabi, crude exports through the southern route stand at around 2.4 million barrels per day, while exports through the northern route amount to approximately 200,000 barrels per day.

He reiterated that national refineries were operating at full capacity, alongside plans to further expand refining capacity at the Diwaniyah and Maysan facilities.



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