Baghdad:Oil Minister Basim Mohammed Khudair Al-Abadi confirmed that oil exports have returned to pre-crisis levels over the past two months and continue to maintain these levels in the current month. This announcement was made during the 11th session of the Council of Opinion for the year 2026, which Al-Abadi chaired.

According to National Iraqi News Agency, Al-Abadi highlighted several key initiatives, including the completion of the ministerial cabinet and the importance of adhering to the government program’s timelines. He discussed the Prime Minister and Deputy Prime Minister for Energy Affairs’ recent visit to the ministry, during which directives were issued to increase production and exports.

Al-Abadi addressed the financial challenges posed by the Strait of Hormuz crisis, expressing optimism that the situation would resolve soon. He emphasized two primary objectives amid this crisis sustaining oil export levels and developing the refining sector. The minister noted the success in achieving pre-crisis export levels and stressed the need for ongoing efforts to enhance production.

The minister outlined major tasks for the extraction sector, including well rehabilitation and urging operating companies to honor their contractual commitments. He also stressed the importance of the refining sector’s development, highlighting the need for engineering inspections and coordination to ensure production sustainability and meet local petroleum derivative demands.

Al-Abadi underlined the importance of monitoring and increasing the strategic reserve levels to avert emergencies. He also emphasized the significance of the gas sector and associated gas investment projects to bolster the national economy and energy sector.

The session also covered the necessity of expediting procedures for purchasing oil tankers, which are crucial for supporting export operations and generating state revenue. Al-Abadi discussed the importance of training in the oil sector, adopting modern curricula, and enhancing public awareness around preserving public funds.

The session was attended by high-ranking officials, including the Undersecretary of the Ministry for Extraction Affairs and the Ministry’s Advisor for Energy Affairs. Discussions and decisions were made to support the oil sector’s progress.