Baghdad: The Iraqi Oil Marketing Company (SOMO) has refuted allegations regarding the smuggling and mixing of oil destined for the global market.

According to National Iraqi News Agency, Ali Nizar, Director General of SOMO, clarified that recent sanctions imposed by the United States and the European Union target individuals with private companies and tankers, not the ports or oil exports themselves. He asserted that there is no mixing of Iraqi crude oil or petroleum products within ports, tanks, or Iraqi territorial waters.

Nizar emphasized SOMO’s adherence to international laws and regulations, ensuring that all exported crude oil and petroleum products are closely monitored from production sites to transportation and storage, up to their final sale to reputable international companies. He stated that SOMO’s electronic system is secure and that the quality of its buyers confirms the absence of smuggling or oil mixing operations.

He further dismissed rumors about illegal activities in Iraqi territorial waters and ports, citing official documentation that validates SOMO’s operations. Nizar acknowledged that document forgery is a global issue but assured that it does not occur within Iraqi ports.

The Director also highlighted SOMO’s collaboration with security agencies and entities such as the Iraqi Ports Company and the Maritime Transport Company to prevent illegal activities and ensure compliance with international regulations governing oil marketing operations.