The Ministry of Oil said Iraq oil exports averaged about 2.6 million barrels per day in September, clarifying that reports of crude shipments reaching 4 million barrels a day referred to a single day only, not the monthly average.
In a separate development, the ministry announced plans to raise gas investment at the Nahr Bin Omar field in Basra to 300 million standard cubic feet per day, as part of efforts to reduce flaring and make greater use of associated gas.
Ministry Clarifies Export Figures
The ministry said the figure of 4 million barrels a day came from one day of exceptional exports, when the state oil marketing company exported a crude shipment outside the Strait of Hormuz.
It added that the tanker carried Qayyarah crude, along with additional cargo loaded for export and sale from southern ports, as well as volumes shipped through the northern outlet. Loading schedules, it said, depend on the completion of economically viable volumes available for tanker lifting.
September Average Stood at 2.6 Million Barrels a Day
According to the ministry, the daily average for Iraqi crude exports in September up to the time of the statement stood at about 2.6 million barrels per day.
The ministry said that figure could still change depending on the volumes actually exported during the remaining days of the month. It described the level as an important achievement under current conditions and amid the continued closure of the Strait of Hormuz, saying it aimed to maintain export flows at the highest possible level to secure state revenues.
Gas Investment Plans at Nahr Bin Omar
The Ministry of Oil also disclosed plans to expand gas investment at the Nahr Bin Omar field in Basra to 300 million standard cubic feet per day.
The ministry said the undersecretary for gas affairs, Izzat Saber Ismail, chaired an expanded meeting to review gas investment plans and projects in the field, with representatives from South Gas Company, the Planning and Follow-up Department, and the operating company, Halfaia Gas Company.
Two Phases of 150 Million Cubic Feet Each
The meeting discussed the implementation stages of the associated gas investment project and development plans aimed at raising capacity to 300 million standard cubic feet per day in two phases, each with a capacity of 150 million cubic feet per day.
The undersecretary stressed the need to speed up technical and executive requirements and keep to the timetable, saying the project would help maximize gas investment, reduce flaring, and support the energy sector and related industries.
Project Contract Signed in January 2024
The ministry said the contract for gas investment, development, and treatment at Nahr Bin Omar was awarded to Halfaia Gas Company Limited and signed on January 7, 2024, between South Gas Company and Halfaia Gas Company.
Under the agreement, the first phase has a capacity of 150 million standard cubic feet per day, with another 150 million cubic feet per day possible in the second phase, bringing total planned capacity to 300 million standard cubic feet per day.
Conclusion:
The ministry’s remarks show that Iraq is maintaining relatively stable export levels despite regional challenges, while also pushing to expand domestic gas investment and reduce waste. Together, the two moves reflect a broader effort to protect revenues and improve the efficiency of the country’s energy sector.
