Iraq Economic News and Points To Ponder Tuesday Afternoon 12-23-25

Iraq Knocks On OPEC's Door... Government Advisor: Increased Oil Production Opens A Window Of Billions Of Dollars In Revenue

Economy | 23/12/2025   Mawazin News – Baghdad:   The Prime Minister's financial advisor, Mazhar Muhammad Salih, confirmed that Iraq is seeking to increase its OPEC oil production quota by approximately 300,000 barrels per day, noting that this would generate revenues of up to $10 billion annually.

Salih stated that "Oil Minister Hayyan Abdul Ghani al-Sawad's recent statements regarding Iraq's efforts to increase its oil production within OPEC come at a critical financial juncture, where the requirements of domestic financial stability intersect with the constraints of managing the global oil market and the fluctuations of geopolitical energy belts."

He pointed out that "Iraq, as the second-largest producer in OPEC, possesses actual production capacity exceeding its current quotas, at a time when pressures on the general budget are increasing due to expanding operational obligations and the slowdown in non-oil revenue growth."

He added that "estimates indicate that the increase Iraq is seeking will likely be gradual and limited, ranging from 150,000 to 300,000 barrels per day, and perhaps more. This increase would not pose a threat to market balance if it falls within the framework of the collective increases adopted by OPEC+."

He pointed out that "according to prevailing average prices in global markets, such an increase could provide Iraq with additional revenues ranging from a minimum of approximately $4 billion to a maximum of $10 billion annually, a level of revenue sufficient to alleviate the fiscal deficit or reduce the need for more costly alternative financing instruments."

He stated that "OPEC's approval of any adjustment to production quotas remains contingent on collective agreement among member states, particularly the major producers who prioritize price stability.

" He explained that "Iraq's chances of obtaining approval appear to exist but are conditional, requiring strict adherence to previous production ceilings and presenting the increase as part of a collective market management strategy, not an individual exception."

He continued, "Increasing production does not represent a permanent solution to public finance challenges, but it does provide temporary room for maneuver that alleviates immediate pressures."

 He noted that "a sustainable solution remains contingent on deeper structural reforms, diversification of income sources, and reducing dependence on the cycles and fluctuations of oil assets, within the framework of comprehensive financial and economic reform policies adopted by the government."   https://www.mawazin.net/Details.aspx?jimare=271922

Basra Crude Oil Rises By More Than 2% Despite The Decline In Global Oil Prices.

Economy | 23/12/2025   Mawazin News - Baghdad:   Basra crude oil prices, both heavy and medium, rose by more than 2% after a decline last week.  Basra Heavy crude increased by $1.35, or 2.40%, to reach $57.72, while Basra Medium crude rose by $1.35, or 2.29%, to reach $60.27.

Oil prices fell in global markets as the market awaited information on supply risks following Ukraine's targeting of Russian oil tankers and the US embargo on Venezuela, while the US president decided to sell Venezuelan oil seized by the US.   https://www.mawazin.net/Details.aspx?jimare=271909

Gold Price Reaches New Record High  

 Economy | 23/12/2025   Mawazin News - Follow-up   Gold prices on the Comex exchange broke a new record high, surpassing $4,500 an ounce.  Futures contracts for February 2026 delivery reached $4,500.20 an ounce, a 2.57% increase.  

The price surge accelerated, reaching $4,500.90 an ounce, after gold had already broken the $4,400 mark for the first time in history on Monday.  Observers attribute the rise to expectations of an interest rate cut in the United States.   https://www.mawazin.net/Details.aspx?jimare=271908

The Dollar Remains Stable In Baghdad And Kurdistan

Stock Exchange   The exchange rate of the dollar against the dinar remained stable as the stock exchange closed on Tuesday evening in Baghdad and Erbil.

Baghdad
Selling price: 143,500 dinars per 100 dollars
Buying price: 142,500 dinars per 100 dollars.

Erbil
Selling price: 142,100 dinars per 100 dollars
Buying price: 142,000 dinars per 100 dollars.

184 views   Added 2025/12/23 - 4:59 PM   https://economy-news.net/content.php?id=63756

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