The Deputy Minister of Oil for Extraction Affairs: Increasing exports is a top priority for this stage.
The Deputy Minister of Oil for Extraction Affairs: Increasing exports is a top priority for this stage.
2026-06-21
Shafaq News – Baghdad
The Undersecretary of the Ministry of Oil for Extraction Affairs, Nasir Aziz, confirmed on Sunday that restoring production from the southern oil fields to pre-Gulf crisis levels and increasing crude exports are the top priorities for the next phase.
Aziz said in a statement issued after assuming his new duties that the ministry is working to oversee plans to rehabilitate and develop the southern fields that witnessed a reduction in production levels during the crisis period, in line with the requirements of the local market and the movement of oil exports.
He added that he directed the oil companies’ administrations to reassess the conditions of the fields, accelerate production and pumping operations, and address technical and operational obstacles, with the aim of increasing export volumes through the southern ports and ensuring that national refineries are supplied with their needs of crude oil.
He noted that the initial plans aim to gradually restore production to pre-crisis levels, which ranged between 4.2 and 4.3 million barrels per day, as well as to increase oil exports, particularly through the southern outlets, to about 3.5 million barrels per day, depending on the readiness of the oil fields and facilities.
Aziz explained that the ministry is relying on national efforts in cooperation with international companies operating in the oil sector to restore declining production capacities, despite the technical and logistical challenges facing the oil industry.
He pointed out that among his priorities is monitoring production at the North Oil Company and enhancing oil transport operations to support exports via the Turkish Ceyhan pipeline, in addition to monitoring production in the fields of the Central Oil Company and diversifying export outlets to maximize national revenues.
He also emphasized the ministry’s interest in developing exploration blocks and oil and gas fields, and supporting associated gas and free gas investment projects, which contribute to strengthening the national reserve, securing the needs of the energy and industry sectors, and reducing dependence on imports.
The Undersecretary stressed the importance of strengthening cooperation with oil companies operating in Iraq and providing a suitable environment to support their activities, as well as encouraging reputable investment companies to contribute to the development of the extraction sector and improve performance efficiency.
It is worth noting that Naseer Aziz previously held the position of Director General of the Department of Studies, Planning and Follow-up in the Ministry of Oil, and he also represented Iraq in the Organization of Arab Petroleum Exporting Countries (OAPEC).
shafaq.com
