Baghdad – Iraq recorded another decline in oil production during April as disruptions around the Strait of Hormuz continued affecting exports across the Gulf region. The latest drop comes amid broader production losses among OPEC members facing regional instability and transport challenges. The ongoing Iraq oil production decline also pushed OPEC output to its lowest level in more than two decades.
A Reuters survey showed OPEC production fell by around 830,000 barrels per day compared with March levels. Total output dropped to nearly 20.04 million barrels per day during April, reflecting the impact of regional conflict and shipping disruptions.
Iraq and Saudi Arabia both experienced additional declines in oil production during the month. Analysts linked the reductions mainly to disruptions affecting exports through the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most important oil shipping corridors.
The survey showed Kuwait suffered the sharpest production loss among OPEC members because export operations faced severe interruptions throughout April. Iraq and Saudi Arabia also reduced output as transport conditions across the Gulf became increasingly difficult.
Meanwhile, the United Arab Emirates became the only Gulf producer to increase output during the same period. The UAE managed to maintain exports through alternative routes that bypass the Strait of Hormuz. Officials used those networks to avoid the worst shipping disruptions affecting regional energy markets.
Outside the Gulf region, both Venezuela and Libya increased oil production during April. Industry trackers and OPEC sources confirmed those gains through shipping data and company reports. However, the increases failed to offset major losses from Gulf producers.
Iraq’s oil production decline reflects wider challenges facing the global oil market during ongoing geopolitical tensions. Regional conflict and uncertainty around maritime transport have continued to limit export capacity for several producers across the Middle East.
Analysts noted that April’s OPEC output fell below levels recorded during the COVID-19 crisis in 2020. The figures marked the organization’s lowest production level since at least the year 2000, excluding membership changes.
Energy markets remain highly sensitive to developments around the Strait of Hormuz because the route handles a large share of global oil shipments. Concerns over prolonged disruptions have already pushed oil prices higher in recent weeks while increasing fears of supply shortages worldwide.
For Iraq, the continued Iraq oil production could place additional pressure on government revenues if export disruptions persist. Baghdad still relies heavily on crude exports to support public spending and economic stability. Officials continue monitoring regional developments closely as tensions around Gulf shipping routes remain unresolved.