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

BAGHDAD, Iraq — Iraq's Oil Minister Basim Khudair announced on Thursday plans to increase production at the Kirkuk oil fields, aiming to build on a recently reached agreement and expand the capacity for shipments from the province. The step is intended to direct more crude from the northern fields to both the domestic market and export channels, according to a ministry statement. The ministry said technical preparations and field arrangements will be carried out in coordination, with infrastructure work accelerated to meet the production target. The increase will be implemented in line with the ministry's development program for the Kirkuk fields, the statement added. Khudair said pushing output beyond the fields' current capacity would support the country's energy supply security. No further details on the timetable or specific output figures were immediately available.