Foreign oil companies are invited to propose contracts – though not production sharing – for eight exploration blocks on the borders with Iran and Kuwait, as well as one offshore exploration block.

Iraqi exports have remained steady since February - and well below capacity - as the government maintains its efforts to support an OPEC cut agreement.

Power plants in Diyala and Baghdad are running tests on newly flowing Iranian gas, but security problems and payment terms remain unresolved.

An analysis of field-by-field data shows Iraqi production is significantly higher than official estimates used by OPEC.

One refinery was fixed after IS was cleared out. The other is part of a political deal between Baghdad and Kurdistan.

Karim Hattab said he'll soon outline his exploration and production priorities as new deputy minister, following a seven-year stint in charge of the Oil Exploration Company.

Increased loadings from Basra Gulf help Iraq compensate for slight oil price slump and northern export decline.