BAGHDAD: OPEC’s second-largest producer, Iraq, plans to export 2.90 million barrels per day (bpd) of Basra crude from its southern oil terminals in December, trade sources said on Friday, citing a preliminary loading programme.
The December volume is slightly higher than the 2.819 million bpd planned for this month, driven by an increase in exports of Iraq’s heavier grade. Iraq planned to export a record 3.68 million bpd in October, but shipped out just 2.7 million bpd on average as poor weather disrupted tanker loadings.
In December, Iraq plans to ship out about 2.13 million bpd of Basra Light, steady from the previous month. Basra Heavy supply will rise to about 768,000 bpd, up from 720,000 bpd in November. Iraq separated its crude into two grades from June to resolve oil quality issues and increase exports.
