Supervisor Elham AbolFateh
Editor in Chief Mohamed Wadie

Iraq May Reduce Oil Exports by 1 Million Barrels Daily Over Gaza Crisis


Sun 12 Nov 2023 | 03:35 PM
By Ahmad El-Assasy

In a strategic development that could have significant implications for the global oil market, a government source in Iraq revealed on Sunday that the Iraqi government is currently engaged in discussions to reduce its oil production. This move comes in response to the outcomes of the recent Arab-Islamic Summit concerning the situation in Gaza.

The source disclosed that Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani held a meeting on Saturday with the Minister of Oil and his advisors in energy and economy. The focus of this high-level discussion was on the decision to cut oil exports by a substantial one million barrels per day from the country’s allocated export quota.

This potential reduction in oil exports is being considered due to the perceived ineffectiveness of the Arab-Islamic Summit in reaching decisive resolutions to halt the ongoing conflict in Gaza. This development in Iraq, a major oil-producing country, underscores the intertwining of geopolitics with global energy markets and highlights the impact regional conflicts can have on such sectors.

Iraq's contemplation of reducing its oil output reflects a broader trend in the Middle East, where political dynamics often influence economic decisions, particularly in the energy sector. If implemented, this decision could have a ripple effect on global oil prices and supply, given Iraq's significant role in the global oil market.

The context of this decision is rooted in Iraq's historical and political ties with the Arab world and its stance on regional conflicts. The country has often used its oil production as a tool to express its position on international issues, illustrating the interplay between its energy policies and foreign diplomacy.

Moreover, this potential cut in oil production highlights the ongoing challenges and complexities in the Middle East, where political, economic, and humanitarian issues are deeply interconnected. As the situation in Gaza continues to unfold, Iraq's decision on oil production will be closely watched by the international community, reflecting the country's evolving role in both regional politics and the global energy landscape.

In conclusion, Iraq's potential decision to reduce its oil production in response to the outcomes of the Arab-Islamic Summit is a significant development that demonstrates the country's strategic use of its energy resources as a means of political expression. It also sheds light on the broader implications of regional conflicts on global energy markets.