BAGHDAD: Iraq has urged the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) to increase its crude oil production quota, citing damage to its oil industry from the recent Iran conflict and the country’s challenging economic conditions.
According to a statement issued by Iraq’s Ministry of Oil, the country, a founding member of OPEC, has been significantly affected by recent regional instability, similar to other oil-producing nations.
The ministry emphasized that nearly 90 percent of Iraq’s national revenue depends on oil exports. Therefore, restrictions on production have a direct impact on the country’s budget and overall economic stability.
Iraq reiterated its long-standing position that OPEC should reassess member states’ production baselines and set quotas according to each country’s actual and sustainable production capacity.
Iraqi officials also stressed that the country’s unique security and economic circumstances should be taken into account during this process.
The ministry noted that OPEC has already begun reviewing the production capacities of member states, which could lead to adjustments in future quotas.
Recent media reports suggested that Iraq was considering leaving OPEC. However, Iraqi Oil Ministry spokesperson Salim Al-Rikabi denied that Baghdad currently intends to withdraw from the organization, stating that Iraq remains committed to OPEC’s rules and decisions.
At the same time, he warned that Iraq deserves a higher production quota that reflects its true capacity. If OPEC fails to grant an increase, the government may eventually have to reconsider whether remaining in the organization serves its national interests.
The debate comes shortly after the United Arab Emirates formally ended its nearly 60-year membership in OPEC and OPEC+ on May 1, 2026.
The UAE said the move would allow it to expand oil production, maximize energy revenues, and pursue an independent production policy aligned with its national economic goals.
