EL7.AI
CommoditiesMediumUpdated•Originally published 16 May 2026•Updated 16 May 2026•
1 min read

Iraq Oil Exports via Hormuz Plunge 89% as Regional Conflict Escalates

Stylized map of Iraq and the Strait of Hormuz with oil pipes, a downward arrow, and a chart showing an 89% drop.

Key Facts

1Iraq exported 10 million barrels of oil via the Strait of Hormuz in April, down from approximately 93 million barrels monthly before the Iran war.

Iraq's Oil Minister confirmed a massive decline in monthly oil exports through the Strait of Hormuz, totaling only 10 million barrels for April. This figure represents a staggering drop from approximately 93 million barrels monthly exported prior to the Iran war. According to reports, heightened security risks in the Strait have severely restricted the country's primary maritime export route.

This disruption comes at a critical time for global energy markets as Iraq, OPEC's second-largest producer, faces logistical hurdles in rerouting volumes through alternative paths like the Turkish Ceyhan pipeline. Per market data, Brent crude prices have remained sensitive to supply risks, while recent earnings calls from peers such as Chevron and ExxonMobil highlighted increased focus on Middle Eastern supply chain security (per Reuters citations).

Looking ahead, traders are monitoring global oil benchmarks which reacted to recent US inflation data, with the annual Consumer Price Index (CPI) hitting 2.8% (as of close May 12, 2026). Market participants should watch for the WASDE report scheduled for later today for broader commodity sentiment, alongside any official updates regarding the reopening of northern export routes to bypass the Strait.