इराकद्वारा ओपेकसँग तेल उत्पादन कोटा बढाउन आग्रहIraq Urges OPEC to Increase Its Oil Production Quota

Baghdad: Iraq has formally urged the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) to increase its oil production quota, arguing that decades of war, international sanctions, and recent regional conflicts have severely damaged its oil industry.

In a statement issued on Thursday, Iraq’s Oil Ministry said production baselines should be reassessed according to the sustainable production capacity of member countries. The ministry also urged OPEC to consider Iraq’s special security and economic circumstances.

Oil Ministry spokesperson Salim al-Rikabi denied reports that Iraq was preparing to leave OPEC. He said Iraq remains committed to the organization, but stressed that the country’s production quota should be increased. He also warned that if Iraq’s concerns are not addressed, the country may have to reconsider its future position within the organization.

According to al-Rikabi, Iraq is moving ahead with a policy to increase oil production in line with its production capacity and national needs.

Economy Dependent on Oil

Iraq’s economy depends heavily on crude oil exports. Around 90 percent of government revenue comes from oil exports, making production limits a direct concern for the country’s public income.

The ministry said OPEC has already begun reviewing the production capacity of member states and urged the organization to address Iraq’s situation fairly.

Impact of War and Regional Tensions

Recent conflict in the Middle East and disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz have affected oil supplies, impacting major producers including Iraq. Some Iraqi oil fields were reportedly targeted by drone attacks during the conflict.

Before the war, Iraq was producing around 4 million barrels of oil per day and exporting an average of 3.5 million barrels daily. Most of Iraq’s oil exports passed through the Strait of Hormuz.

Iraqi officials expect production to return to pre-war levels within the next two months as regional tensions ease.

Mixed Reactions Over Possible OPEC Exit

A former Iraqi oil official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said leaving OPEC would not be in Iraq’s interest. According to him, membership in OPEC remains strategically important for a country highly dependent on oil trade.

George Leon, an analyst at energy consultancy Rystad Energy, said Iraq’s remarks may be intended to put pressure on OPEC to review its quota. He said the ongoing review of production capacity could become the basis for new production quotas in 2027, and Iraq may be trying to strengthen its position.

Iraq, however, has made it clear that it wants any changes related to production quotas to be resolved within OPEC’s existing framework.