Iraq oil exports surpassed 418 million barrels between January and August 22, despite major regional disruptions. Official figures showed that the country earned approximately $28 billion during the same period.
The State Oil Marketing Organization shared the figures with Iraq’s parliamentary Oil and Gas Committee. The data showed that Iraq exported 418.7 million barrels from January 1 through August 22. Meanwhile, oil exports from the Kurdistan Region and Kirkuk fields reached 41 million barrels.
Exports from those northern fields traveled through the Turkish port of Ceyhan. The figures highlighted the continued importance of northern export routes for Iraq’s energy sector. However, export volumes fluctuated significantly during the first eight months of the year.
January recorded the highest northern export volume, reaching approximately 6.2 million barrels. In contrast, March recorded the lowest volume at around 3.1 million barrels. Regional instability affected production and transportation during that period.
The Kurdistan Region alone exported approximately 20.1 million barrels through Ceyhan by August 22. That figure represented a daily average of roughly 86,000 barrels. Furthermore, Kurdistan Region and Kirkuk exports reached 6.2 million barrels during August’s first 22 days.
During the same August period, total Iraq oil exports generated approximately $2.4 billion in revenue. Oil prices ranged between $56 and $62 per barrel during those weeks. The figures also reflected the continuing pressure on Iraq’s crucial energy revenues.
Iraqi officials recently said national production had approached three million barrels per day. They added that daily exports had exceeded 2.4 million barrels. However, the country faced serious disruptions earlier this year.
Regional conflict intensified after a major military campaign against Iran began in late February. Tehran subsequently launched drone and missile attacks across several parts of the Middle East. The escalating conflict created significant risks for regional energy infrastructure and shipping.
Most importantly, the crisis severely disrupted traffic through the Strait of Hormuz. That strategic route normally carries a substantial share of Iraq oil exports to international markets. Before the crisis, Iraq exported approximately 106 million barrels of crude each month.
Official figures showed that Iraqi crude production dropped sharply during the disruptions. Production reportedly fell from approximately 4.14 million barrels daily to 1.49 million barrels at its lowest point.
The disruptions also created major financial pressure for Baghdad. Government financial advisers estimated daily losses between $200 million and $255 million during the worst period.
Nevertheless, the latest figures show that Iraq’s oil sector maintained substantial export activity. Baghdad continues relying heavily on crude revenues to support public spending and the wider national economy.
