Iraq August Crude Exports Reach 2.2 Million BPD
At a Glance:
- Iraq exported between 2.0 and 2.2 million barrels per day (bpd) in August, totaling over 60 million barrels for the month.
- Southern sea exports via the Strait of Hormuz averaged 2.0–2.2 million bpd, while northern exports via Turkey's Ceyhan port reached 150,000–180,000 bpd.
- Kurdistan Region field exports averaged under 100,000 bpd during August overall, but peaked at nearly 115,000 bpd by month's end.
- Federal oil officials aim to boost Kurdistan Region field exports to 200,000 bpd in September following new crude allocation agreements.
Iraq’s total crude oil exports rebounded to between 2.0 and 2.2 million barrels per day (bpd) in August, generating over 60 million barrels in total monthly volume. Announced by Iraqi Oil Ministry Spokesman Salim Rakabi, the surge in export performance is expected to ease federal revenue deficits accumulated over the past eight months following major maritime and pipeline export bottlenecks.
Key Statements and Focus Area:
- Salim Rakabi, Iraqi Ministry of Oil Spokesman:
"Iraq's crude oil exports via southern sea ports ranged between 2.0 million and 2.2 million barrels per day in August, complemented by daily exports through Turkey's Ceyhan port ranging between 150,000 and 180,000 barrels." - North Oil Company (NOC) Official:
"Kurdistan Region oil field exports stood at nearly 115,000 barrels per day at the end of August. Combined with 50,000 barrels per day from Kirkuk fields, total northern exports reached 165,000 barrels per day on the final day of the month."
Export Breakdown by Route and Source (August 2026)
| Export Route / Origin | August Daily Average | Month-End Peak Daily Rate |
| Southern Sea Ports (Strait of Hormuz) | 2,000,000 – 2,200,000 bpd | 2,200,000 bpd |
| Ceyhan Port Pipeline Exit (Turkey) | 150,000 – 180,000 bpd | 180,000 bpd |
| Kurdistan Region Oil Fields | < 100,000 bpd | ~115,000 bpd |
| Kirkuk Oil Fields (North Oil Co.) | ~50,000 bpd | 50,000 bpd |
| Total Northern Output (End of Month) | -- | 165,000 bpd |
Kurdistan Export Targets and Fiscal Outlook
Internal data obtained by Channel8 from North Oil Company officials confirms that while August overall averages for Kurdistan field output remained below 100,000 bpd, operations accelerated sharply in the final week of August. The Ministry of Oil has established a target of 200,000 bpd for Kurdistan fields in September, supported by incoming transfers of Basra crude to help meet domestic refining and export quotas.
FYI
The expansion of both southern sea flows and northern pipeline deliveries through Ceyhan provides critical fiscal relief for Baghdad after months of constrained revenue. Reaching the target of 200,000 bpd for Kurdistan fields in September will serve as a vital indicator of whether federal energy authorities can maintain long-term production coordination across both regional and state-operated fields.
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