Iraq plans to raise output at Kirkuk oil fields, minister says

BAGHDAD, Iraq — Iraq's Oil Minister Baisam Hudhair has announced plans to increase production at the Kirkuk oil fields, the Oil Ministry said. The minister outlined the strategy on Thursday, citing a recent agreement as the basis for the planned output increase. The decision is intended to make more efficient use of crude exported from Kirkuk and to raise state revenues, the ministry said. Hudhair added that technical preparations and logistics infrastructure will be reinforced to support the higher output. The ministry said the production increase would be implemented gradually, in line with the fields' existing capacity and maintenance schedules. Coordination with relevant agencies is underway to ensure uninterrupted transport of Kirkuk crude via pipeline to Turkey's Ceyhan port. If the targets are met, Iraq's daily oil supply is expected to rise significantly, according to the ministry.