Iraq needs to increase exports in order to enhance its position as the second largest producer in OPEC, but infrastructure problems and repeated attacks on the northern export line prevented the achievement of the country's goal to export 2.9 million bpd.

The exports settled at the same level as in the previous month, while the production in April was to 3.1 million bpd.

Laeebi said in remarks to reporters briefed by “Shafaq News” that attacks by “terrorists” on Kirkuk pipeline has affected exports.

Crude exports were delayed through Kirkuk -Turkish port of Ceyhan pipeline on the Mediterranean Sea in May because of repeated attacks by insurgents on the line that transports Kirkuk crude.

Another official in the ministry said the attacks forced Iraq to increase oil police patrols along the line in an attempt to prevent targeting it.

The official added, “Recent attacks have caused real problems for oil exports from Kirkuk as we decided to increase the security forces along the line,” according to Reuters.

The minister said that the production of Majnon oil field will resume in early July after the completion of maintenance work and as expected production is to reach 100 thousand bpd in the beginning.