Iraq has called on the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) to increase its oil production quota, arguing that the country’s economic and security challenges warrant a reassessment of its current allocation.
In a statement issued on Thursday, Iraq’s Oil Ministry said it has repeatedly urged OPEC to review production baselines to better reflect the actual production capabilities of member nations. The ministry noted that Iraq’s circumstances differ from those of many other producers due to decades of conflict, sanctions, and recent regional instability.
The request comes as Iraq seeks to rebuild its oil sector following disruptions caused by the recent Middle East conflict. Oil exports remain critical to the country’s economy, accounting for roughly 90 percent of government revenue.
Oil Ministry spokesman Salim al-Rikabi dismissed speculation that Iraq may leave OPEC, stressing that Baghdad remains committed to the group’s framework and decision-making process. However, he said Iraq expects its production quota to be adjusted to reflect its capacity and economic needs.
According to the ministry, OPEC has already begun reviewing member states’ production capacities as part of an ongoing assessment process. Iraqi officials believe the country’s history of wars and damage to oil infrastructure should be taken into account during those discussions.
The ministry also emphasized that any concerns regarding production levels and quotas should continue to be addressed through OPEC’s established technical and consensus-based procedures.
The debate over Iraq’s quota follows significant disruptions to global oil markets during the Middle East conflict, when attacks on energy infrastructure and restrictions on shipping through the Strait of Hormuz affected oil exports across the region.
Before the outbreak of hostilities, Iraq was producing about four million barrels of oil per day and exporting approximately 3.5 million barrels daily. Officials now expect production to return to pre-war levels within the next two months following a recent agreement aimed at ending the conflict.
Iraq remains one of OPEC’s largest producers and is seeking greater flexibility to support economic recovery while maintaining its role within the organization.
