Iraq’s oil production surges to 4.88 million barrels per day

Part of an oil field in Iraq. Photo :AP Baghdad (IraqiNews.com) – Iraq’s oil output rose by 489,000 barrels per day in October 2026 compared to September, according to data from the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) based on official Iraqi estimates. Iraq’s oil production rose from 4.39 million barrels per day in September to 4.88 million barrels per day in October, a monthly increase of approximately 11.1 percent. Iraqi Oil Minister Basim Khudair said recently that Iraq seeks to negotiate with OPEC to raise its oil output and obtain a larger export cap. The Iraqi minister indicated that Iraq deserves a rise in output to secure the financial revenues needed to expand infrastructure and implement government goals. Additionally, Khudair reiterated Iraq’s commitment to the 4.43 million barrels per day production cap set by OPEC. In early September, Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi called for an increase in oil output to reach 10 million barrels per day by 2030. 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. Iraq’s oil production reached approximately 4.5 million barrels per day by the end of 2025.