Iraq petroleum exports decline as shipments ease in the first quarter of 2026, according to SOMO data.
Iraq exported 2.35 million tonnes of petroleum products between January and March.
This total fell by nearly 16% compared with 2.80 million tonnes last year.
Export flows mainly included fuel oil and naphtha as key products.
The State Oil Marketing Organization released these figures on Tuesday
Fuel oil led Iraq’s petroleum product exports with 2.12 million tonnes shipped abroad.
Naphtha accounted for 234,503 tonnes during the same three-month period.
Officials confirmed no sulfur exports took place in this cycle.
SOMO data pointed to shifting refinery output patterns across the country.
Refinery maintenance schedules also influenced available export volumes from domestic facilities.
Iraq continues to rely heavily on oil exports for government income.
The country holds its position as OPEC’s second-largest oil producer.
Crude oil exports generate roughly 90% of federal revenue.
Government accounts through April show oil earnings reaching 26.121 trillion Iraqi dinars, about 17 billion dollars.
Total state income reached 31.163 trillion dinars, or about 20 billion dollars, during the same period.
Iraq petroleum exports decline places additional pressure on fiscal planning and budget stability
SOMO continues to track export performance amid global energy market changes.
Shifts in refinery output affect how much product becomes available for export.
Maintenance cycles and domestic demand also shape shipment volumes across quarters.
Officials face growing pressure to balance internal consumption with export commitments.
Iraq petroleum exports decline highlights ongoing challenges as the country adjusts to evolving market conditions in 2026.