Iraqi PM calls for boosting oil output to 10 million bpd by 2030

The West Qurna oil field near Basra, in southern Iraq. Photo: AP Baghdad (IraqiNews.com) – Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi called on Tuesday for an increase in oil output to reach 10 million barrels per day by 2030. Al-Zaidi’s remarks took place during a meeting held to discuss the country’s strategic plan to develop and increase oil production, according to a statement released by the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO). According to al-Zaidi, Iraq’s oil output should be proportionate to its reserves, oil production capabilities, and the growing number of the population, allowing it to satisfy its residents’ needs as well as development requirements. The prime minister indicated that it is important to improve infrastructure and export capacity to meet the expected rise in output. Iraq’s oil production reached approximately 4.5 million barrels per day by the end of 2025. Al-Zaidi directed an increase in output from oil fields in the Kurdistan region of Iraq and the expansion of exploration activities to achieve the plan’s objectives and reach a production capacity of 10 million barrels per day by 2030. The prime minister also instructed the full recovery of associated gas to fulfill domestic energy demands, prevent waste, and eventually eliminate the need for imports. According to al-Zaidi, the Oil Ministry will invite major foreign oil firms to a conference to attract investments, expertise, and technologies. The Iraqi Oil Ministry is anticipated to reach deals with oil corporations to conduct exploration, production, development, and export projects, therefore improving the country’s position in the global energy market and bolstering its resources and economic capacity.