BAGHDAD/ Aswat al-Iraq: Oil Ministry spokesman stated that the ministry is planning to increase its export potentialities by 300.000 b/d in 2013, as well as enhancing its position in the OPEC.
On the other hand, an oil expert said that though Iraq did not achieve the previously declared figures, but his attempts are successful on the logistic level.
In a statement to Aswat al-Iraq, spokesman Asim Jihad added that the ministry is planning to reach 2.9 million b/d in 2013 and to reach 4 million b/d in 2014.
He added that the 5th oil bids shall be announced this year, mostly for gas production to increase Iraq capabilities in this sector.
Oil expert Abdul Razzak al-Abayachi added that Iraq will increase it is production.
He pointed out that the strategic pipeline was planned in 1980s, though it was delayed, but "comes now in an important phase amid reports of closing Hormuz Strait".
"Even if the Strait is not closed, it is important to have another venue for Iraqi oil exports", he elaborated.