Accessibility links

Breaking News

Iraq Announces Oil Reserves Of Over 143 Billion Barrels


Oil tankers are anchored at Basra in southern Iraq. (file photo)
Oil tankers are anchored at Basra in southern Iraq. (file photo)
Iraq's oil minister says the country's proven "extractable" oil reserves have risen to over 143 billion barrels.

The new figure represents a significant rise on Iraq's previously announced proven oil reserves of 115 billion barrels.

Oil Minister Hussain al-Shahristani said at a news conference that the new figure was reached with the help of international oil companies working at 12 fields in Iraq.

He said that most of the oil reserves,71 percent, were concentrated in the south of the country, 20 percent in the north, and 9 percent in the center.

Iraq's Oil Ministry has been carrying out surveys to update its oil reserves data, which had not been revised in years.

Iraq depends on oil exports for 95 percent of government revenue.

compiled from agency reports

RFE/RL has been declared an "undesirable organization" by the Russian government.

If you are in Russia or the Russia-controlled parts of Ukraine and hold a Russian passport or are a stateless person residing permanently in Russia or the Russia-controlled parts of Ukraine, please note that you could face fines or imprisonment for sharing, liking, commenting on, or saving our content, or for contacting us.

To find out more, click here.

XS
SM
MD
LG