Iraq Oil Output Falls to 1.4 Million Barrels Daily, Export Challenges Mount

BAGHDAD, Iraq — Iraq's oil production has fallen to 1.4 million barrels per day, including exports through domestic refineries and Ceyhan Port in Turkey, according to the Oil Ministry. A comparison of April export data highlights the scale of the challenge. Iraq exported 10 million barrels via the Strait of Hormuz, while neighboring countries shipped a combined 93 million barrels, leaving an 83-million-barrel gap. More than two months ago, the ministry said it aimed to add 400,000 barrels within two weeks to address pipeline repairs at Ceyhan. That target remains unmet, and the Turkish operating license is approaching expiration. Analysts point to decades of post-2003 government policy failures in expanding and diversifying exports as a key factor constraining production capacity. Strategic oil policy planning has faced persistent shortcomings, officials acknowledge. Citizens have called for independent and transparent public reporting on oil sector performance.