Iraq is stepping up efforts to maintain and expand crude oil exports amid the ongoing Strait of Hormuz crisis, Oil Ministry Spokesman Salim Al-Rikabi said on Tuesday, noting that the Ministry is working under the direct supervision of the Oil Minister to address current challenges.

Al-Rikabi stated that daily crude oil exports have increased significantly, rising from approximately 200,000 barrels last May to around 2.7 million barrels, despite disruptions and logistical challenges. Most exports pass through southern terminals, while northern routes account for approximately 300,000 barrels per day, including shipments by tanker and exports from the Kurdistan Region and Kirkuk.

He explained that the Ministry plans to further increase export volumes through southern outlets and expand tanker transport operations toward northern destinations. It is also working to raise flows through the Iraq-Turkey pipeline to at least 750,000 barrels per day, compared with current volumes of around 300,000 barrels per day.

Al-Rikabi added that the Ministry is pursuing plans to develop additional export pipelines, including the Basra-Haditha-Fishkhabour and Basra-Haditha-Baniyas routes. These projects aim to diversify export outlets, improve transportation flexibility, and strengthen Iraq’s capacity to market its crude oil amid regional challenges.