Iraq Oil Production Reaches 834 Million Barrels in First Nine Months of 2026
Iraq generated nearly 834 million barrels of crude oil during the first nine months of 2026, averaging roughly 3 million barrels per day. Output fluctuated significantly over the period, starting at around 4.1 million barrels per day in early 2026 before plunging to a low of 1.4 million barrels per day in May. Production subsequently recovered, climbing back to nearly 4.1 million barrels per day by September.
The dramatic fall in spring production resulted from transport bottlenecks triggered by the closure of the Strait of Hormuz. The shipping disruption caused crude exports to drop to approximately 200,000 barrels per day. To restore export movement and relieve domestic storage constraints, Iraq increased shipments via foreign oil companies by providing steep price discounts.
Going forward, market participants will watch whether high export levels can be sustained through alternative commercial arrangements, alongside any changes to shipping accessibility across critical regional trade routes.
Key points
- Iraq produced 834.7 million barrels of crude oil in the first nine months of 2026, averaging 3 million barrels per day.
- Monthly production dropped from 4.1 million barrels per day in February to a low of 1.4 million barrels per day in May.
- Output rebounded to nearly 4.1 million barrels per day in September after discounts helped increase foreign exports.
- The closure of the Strait of Hormuz restricted crude exports to roughly 200,000 barrels per day at their lowest point.
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How we writeDisclaimerQuestions and answers
How much oil did Iraq produce in the first nine months of 2026?
Iraq produced approximately 834.7 million barrels of crude oil in the first nine months of 2026, averaging about 3 million barrels per day.
Why did Iraq oil output drop sharply in early 2026?
Production fell to a low of 1.4 million barrels per day in May because the closure of the Strait of Hormuz severely restricted exports, dropping crude shipments to roughly 200,000 barrels per day.
How did Iraq crude production recover by September 2026?
Output rebounded to nearly 4.1 million barrels per day in September as Iraq expanded crude exports through foreign oil companies by offering high discounts.