Iraq targets tripling its pipeline oil exports

Iraq is planning to increase how much crude oil it exports through pipelines to 770,000 barrels per day (bpd) from 220,000 bpd within the next 75 days.

The cabinet approved the expansion move, which will take place in two phases, according to a statement issued by the Iraqi prime minister’s media office.

The cabinet also approved a contract between the oil ministry and its Syrian counterpart for the transportation, storage and handling of crude oil through the Mediterranean ports of Baniyas and Tartus.

Baghdad will also open an oil ministry representative office to oversee export operations through the route, the cabinet said.

The move is part of Baghdad’s initiatives to diversify oil export routes after oil minister Basim Mohammed Khudair confirmed last month that Iraq exported 10 million barrels of crude through the Strait of Hormuz in April, compared to 93 million barrels per month before the Iran conflict.

In the first four months of 2026, Iraq’s oil exports totalled about 236 million barrels (1.9 million bpd), generating about $16 billion, according to the State Oil Marketing Organization.

In April, Iraq’s cabinet approved about $1.5 billion for a $5 billion project to construct a pipeline from Basra to Haditha in the western Al-Anbar province, from where it will extend to Turkey, Syria and Jordan.

Further reading:

• Two months left for Iraq and Turkey to reach pipeline deal
• Oil markets bet on peace as Hormuz risks persist
• Oil supply may not recover for a year, says Adnoc exec