Iraq's southern crude output rises by about 500,000 bpd to 1.5 million bpd

Iraq's southern crude output has risen by about 500,000 barrels per day to reach 1.5 million bpd as more tankers reach export terminals, a document seen by Reuters and three oil official said on Wednesday.



The production from Iraq’s southern oilfields was around 1 million barrels per day (bpd) before the hike, the three oil officials said.



The officials said the easing of the war between the U.S. and Iran, along with gradual improvements in the safety of navigation through the Strait of Hormuz, had helped more oil tankers reach Iraq's southern export terminals.



Iraq has increased output from the Rumaila oilfield by 300,000 bpd to around 650,000 bpd as export operations recovered, according to the document and the oilfield officials.