Chevron Set to Nearly Double Output at Iraq’s West Qurna 2 Oil Field

Iraq is preparing for a major boost in crude production at the West Qurna 2 field, with U.S. energy giant Chevron poised to nearly double output under exclusive management rights, Iraqi Oil Minister Hayyan Abdul Ghani confirmed Wednesday.

Currently, the field produces around 400,000 barrels per day. Under Chevron’s management, production is expected to rise to 750,000–800,000 barrels daily, marking a substantial increase in Iraq’s oil supply. The company has secured one-year exclusive rights to negotiate terms for managing the field, following Russia’s Lukoil exit from operations.

Iraq, the second-largest OPEC+ producer, aims to expand its total oil and gas output amid renewed competition from major international companies eager to resume or increase operations previously curtailed due to political instability.

The country’s broader strategy includes raising total production capacity to over 6 million barrels per day by 2029, strengthening infrastructure and field management under international operators, and leveraging foreign investment to modernize energy projects.

Iraq’s output has steadily increased in recent years, exceeding 4 million barrels per day in 2025, up from roughly 2.5 million barrels per day before the 2003 U.S. invasion. Although Iraq has yet to meet the ambitious 12-million-barrel daily target pledged post-war, production frequently surpasses the OPEC+ quotas agreed with the cartel.

The expansion at West Qurna 2 is expected to bolster Iraq’s position in OPEC+, enhance global supply flexibility, and potentially exert downward pressure on regional oil prices if combined with other Middle Eastern production increases.