Iraqi Prime Minister al-Zaidi discusses oil exports to Europe in Germany
Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi said in Berlin that he had discussed with Germany and France the possibility of selling Iraqi oil to Europe. According to him, Baghdad seeks to diversify export routes and reduce dependence on the Strait of Hormuz.
As Asharq Al-Awsat reports, al-Zaidi spoke at a press conference with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz after talks in Berlin. The Iraqi prime minister said that the country “cannot remain hostage to a single corridor,” referring to the Strait of Hormuz, which Iran, according to the outlet, blocked during the war in the Middle East.
Routes through the Mediterranean Sea
Al-Zaidi said he had also discussed oil supplies to Europe with French President Emmanuel Macron during a meeting in Paris. He stated that Iraq could double export volumes through the Mediterranean Sea to supply European and American markets.
Sales of crude oil provide nearly 90% of Iraq’s revenue. Before the war began in February, the country produced approximately 4 million barrels per day, while average exports stood at 3.4 million barrels per day. Most supplies passed through the Strait of Hormuz, with China and India being the largest buyers.
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Due to the disruptions, Iraq began transporting oil by tanker trucks through Syria and also using a pipeline to the Turkish port of Ceyhan. At the same time, these routes can provide only part of the usual seaborne supplies.
Talks with Germany
The Iraqi prime minister said Baghdad and Berlin expect to reach an agreement on crude oil exports, while Iraq plans to purchase German technologies and equipment. Al-Zaidi also announced plans to increase production to 10 million barrels per day, directing a significant share, or almost half, of that volume to Europe and other Western countries.
Merz called the economy the main area of German-Iraqi cooperation and said that German companies are already operating in Iraq, including on energy supply solutions. According to him, the sides planned to sign an agreement that day on supplying Iraq with electricity.
