Former Iraqi Prime Minister Adel Abdul Mahdi has warned against any move for Iraq to leave the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC), saying the country should instead seek a higher oil production quota within the group.

Abdul Mahdi said OPEC was established to help regulate oil markets, promote fair competition and protect the interests of both producers and consumers. He argued that Iraq would benefit more by strengthening its position within the organisation rather than withdrawing from it.

He warned that leaving OPEC could allow Iraq to produce more oil in the short term, but said other countries would likely increase their output as well, leading to an oversupply that could push down global oil prices and reduce Iraq’s revenues.

His remarks come after Oil Ministry spokesman Salim al-Rikabi and government officials suggested Iraq could reconsider its OPEC membership if its production quota is not increased to match the country’s export capacity and economic needs.

However, Iraq’s Oil Ministry later dismissed reports of a possible withdrawal, reaffirming the country’s commitment to OPEC and insisting there are no plans to leave the oil-producing alliance.