Iraq's oil exports reached their highest level in more than three decades last month as the country's output continued to increase, oil ministry officials say.
Overall exports averaged 2.565 million barrels per day (bpd), bringing in $US8.45 billion ($A8.23 billion) in revenues on the back of average oil prices of $106 per barrel, Falah al-Amiri, head of the State Oil Marketing Organisation, said on Saturday.
Exports averaged 2.516 million bpd in July.
"The level of exports was the highest in more than 30 years," said ministry spokesman Assem Jihad.
Amiri said oil production currently averaged around 3.2 million bpd.
Iraq has proven reserves of 143.1 billion barrels of oil and 3.2 trillion cubic metres of gas, both of which are among the largest in the world.
Crude exports account for the lion's share of government income, and Baghdad is looking to dramatically ramp up both production and sales in the coming years, bringing in much-needed cash to rebuild its conflict-battered economy.
BAGHDAD (AP) - Iraq's Oil Ministry says crude oil exports have averaged 2.565 million barrels a day in August, the highest level in more than three decades.
Ministry spokesman Assem Jihad said Sunday that last month's revenues stood at $8.442 billion based on an average price of $106 for each barrel. Jihad added that 2.252 million barrels a day were exported through the Persian Gulf and another 313,000 barrels were sent through Turkey's Ceyhan port.
Iraq's oil exports have climbed steadily since last year, thanks to a handful of international oil companies operating in Iraq and to the inauguration of two new export terminals in the Persian Gulf early this year.
Iraq holds the world's fourth largest oil reserves, some 143.1 billion barrels.
Iraq oil exports highest in 30 years
