Iraq Oil Exports via Strait of Hormuz Plunge Amid Regional War
Iraq’s oil exports through the Strait of Hormuz collapsed by roughly 90% in April 2026, dropping to 10 million barrels from a pre-war average of 93 million. This drastic decline stems from a US-Israeli offensive against Iran, which effectively blocked the strategic chokepoint. To mitigate severe revenue losses, Baghdad activated alternative land routes via the Kirkuk-Ceyhan pipeline to Turkey and engaged in diplomatic negotiations with the US and Iran. The crisis underscores the vulnerability of global energy supplies to Middle East geopolitical conflicts and threatens Iraq’s economic stability.
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Iraq Exports 10 Million Barrels via Hormuz in April Amid Regional Conflict
Iraq’s new Oil Minister, Basim Mohammed, announced that the country exported 10 million barrels of oil through the Strait of Hormuz in April, a significant decrease from the pre-war monthly average of 93 million barrels. The decline is attributed to the ongoing US-Israeli war on Iran, which has led to the closure of the Strait and heightened insurance risks for tankers, affecting exports from Iraq, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Kuwait. Currently, Iraq produces 1.4 million barrels per day. To mitigate losses, Baghdad has resumed exports via the Kirkuk–Ceyhan pipeline, aiming to increase flows from 200,000 to 500,000 barrels per day following an agreement with the Kurdistan Regional Government. Additionally, Iraq is negotiating expanded cooperation with Turkey and engaging US firms like Chevron and ExxonMobil to develop oil and gas projects. The government plans to dialogue with OPEC to boost production capacity to 5 million barrels per day while remaining committed to the organization to ensure stable oil prices and secure financial revenues for the nation.
The New ArabIraq Oil Exports Plummet Due to Strait of Hormuz Disruptions
Iraq’s Oil Minister, Basim Mohammed Khudair, reported a severe decline in the country's oil exports due to regional conflicts affecting the Strait of Hormuz. In April, Iraq exported only 10 million barrels through this strategic waterway, a sharp drop from the previous average of approximately 93 million barrels per month. This disruption, attributed to war-related restrictions and instability, has reduced exports by over 80 percent at the crisis's height. Consequently, national oil revenue fell significantly to around $2 billion in March, down from $6 billion earlier, placing substantial financial pressure on the energy sector. To mitigate these losses, Iraq has activated alternative export routes, currently shipping 200,000 barrels per day from Kirkuk via pipelines to Turkey’s Ceyhan port, following an agreement between Baghdad and the Kurdistan Region. Plans are underway to expand this capacity to 500,000 barrels per day. The Minister expressed confidence in expanding production once stability returns and the Strait reopens. Analysts warn that continued instability in the region poses a significant risk to global energy supply chains and market stability.
Daily TimesIraqi Oil Exports via Strait of Hormuz Plunge 90% Amid War Blockade
Iraq's oil exports through the Strait of Hormuz have collapsed by approximately 90% due to a blockade resulting from the ongoing war involving the United States, Israel, and Iran. According to Iraq's new Oil Minister, Basim Mohamed, exports dropped from 93 million barrels per month before the conflict began on February 28, 2026, to just 10 million barrels in April 2026. The decline started in March, when exports fell to 18 million barrels. Minister Mohamed attributed the drastic reduction to the closure of the strait, which previously handled 90% of Iraq's crude shipments. In response, the Iraqi government is strategizing to engage foreign companies to boost production capacity, train personnel, and improve infrastructure. Despite the current crisis, Mohamed emphasized Iraq's potential for energy sector leadership given its vast reserves and announced plans to transform all provinces into oil-producing regions. As OPEC's second-largest producer, Iraq's reduced output highlights the severe impact of the geopolitical conflict on global energy supplies. The situation underscores the strategic vulnerability of the Strait of Hormuz as a critical chokepoint for international oil trade during regional military escalations.
ExameIraqi Oil Exports via Strait of Hormuz Drop Tenfold in April Amid Middle East War
Iraq's new Oil Minister, Bassem Mohammed Khudair, announced that the country's crude oil exports through the Strait of Hormuz plummeted from 93 million barrels per month to just 10 million in April. This drastic reduction is attributed to the ongoing war in the Middle East, specifically an American-Israeli offensive against Iran that began on February 28, which led to Iran nearly blocking the strategic strait. As a founding OPEC member, Iraq relies on this route for the majority of its exports, which typically generate 90% of state budget revenues. To mitigate the impact, Baghdad secured an agreement with the US and Iran, allowing two tankers to dock in Basra in April. Additionally, Iraq has increased land exports via tanker trucks to Syria, though volumes remain significantly lower than sea transport. A pipeline connecting Iraqi Kurdistan to Turkey's Ceyhan port remains operational. Meanwhile, Iranian state media reported that the Revolutionary Guards have begun permitting more ship traffic through the strait, a critical chokepoint previously handling one-fifth of global oil and LNG exports.
Le SoirIraq Exports 10 Million Barrels of Oil via Strait of Hormuz in April
Iraqi Oil Minister Basim al-Hudayyir announced that Iraq successfully exported 10 million barrels of oil through the strategic Strait of Hormuz during the month of April. This declaration was made during Hudayyir's first press conference since assuming office, where he outlined his primary objective to significantly increase the nation's oil exports to strengthen the Iraqi economy. The Minister emphasized that Iraq possesses substantial oil reserves and production capabilities. To achieve higher export volumes, the ministry plans to evaluate all producing companies within the country. Key components of this strategic plan include developing the infrastructure of domestic oil fields and investing in the training of specialized personnel. Hudayyir stated that the government is prepared to mobilize all necessary resources to meet these goals. The announcement highlights Iraq's continued reliance on oil revenue and its efforts to optimize logistics through critical maritime chokepoints like the Strait of Hormuz. This move is positioned as a vital step toward economic stabilization and growth for the country, leveraging its status as a major global oil producer.
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