Iraq says crude oil tankers transited Strait of Hormuz

BAGHDAD, Iraq — Iraq's Oil Ministry said crude oil tankers have transited the Strait of Hormuz, with ministry spokesman Selim al-Rikabi confirming the passage to the state news agency. The ministry continues to sell crude on a fixed-price basis at the port, al-Rikabi said, adding that once tankers depart the terminal, the ministry bears no responsibility for routing or for securing the required clearances. The ministry sells the oil at the port and does not own the tankers, al-Rikabi said, noting that transportation and shipment of the cargo are the responsibility of the buyer. Some tankers carried up to two million barrels of crude, he said, adding that vessel movements are monitored through global tracking systems and that Iraq's oil marketing company oversees delivery of the cargoes to refineries. Al-Rikabi said crude sales have risen gradually over recent months, with last month's figures exceeding those of the preceding month and earlier months also outperforming their predecessors. He said the figures point to a steady recovery in exports following an earlier disruption in traffic through the Strait of Hormuz.