Iraq’s Oil Ministry says September exports averaged 2.6 million barrels per day amid continued disruption in the Strait of Hormuz
Iraq’s crude oil exports averaged approximately 2.6 million barrels per day in September, while exports through the Kurdistan Region’s oil pipeline reached 420,000 barrels per day, generating an estimated $1 billion in monthly revenue for Iraq, according to reports.
In a statement, Iraq’s Ministry of Oil clarified reports that the country had exported 4 million barrels of crude oil in a single day, explaining that the figure reflected a one-day total rather than the daily average for September.
The ministry said the reported volume included a shipment of Qayyarah crude oil marketed by the State Oil Marketing Organization (SOMO) outside the Strait of Hormuz, along with additional shipments loaded at southern ports and exports through the northern outlet.
It explained that shipments through the northern route are loaded onto tankers according to scheduled arrangements and when commercially viable cargo volumes are available.
The ministry added that, despite fluctuations in daily export volumes and the continued closure of the Strait of Hormuz, Iraq was working to maintain exports and maximize revenue for the public treasury.
Kurdistan pipeline becomes a key export route
Exports through the Kurdistan Region’s oil pipeline have increased significantly, making the route an important channel for transporting Iraqi crude oil to international markets.
According to the reported figures, of the 420,000 barrels transported daily through the pipeline, approximately 230,000 barrels originate from fields in the Kurdistan Region. After setting aside 50,000 barrels per day for domestic consumption, the remaining 180,000 barrels contribute to Iraq’s public revenues.
A further 40,000 barrels per day come from the Kirkuk oil fields. The remaining volumes are transported by tanker trucks from southern Iraq to Kirkuk before being exported through the pipeline.
The figures highlight the growing importance of the Kurdistan Region’s pipeline infrastructure to Iraq’s oil exports and public finances, particularly amid disruptions affecting other export routes.