Iraqi oil exports decrease by half as a result of threats
Iraq, Economics, 8/13/2004

Naval sources stressed the decrease in Iraqi oil exports to their half common levels on Thursday as a result of threats made by al-Mahdi army militias that resulted in keeping the main export pipelines blocked.

Three ships were seen at least at Basra port loading oil while officials said that amounts of exported oil reached 41,000 barrels per hour, representing half of average exports.

However, it was not made sure whether these loading operations are made from the reservoirs that exist in the port or from pumping operations resumed after the confirmation made by the Iraqi southern oil company had received of threats from al-Sader militias to attack oil installations in southern Iraq.

This, however, come after statements made by Salaam al-Maliki the deputy governor of Basra for administrative affairs, close to al-Sader that al-Sader's supporters are determined to convert the southern oil company in Basra into the battle field if the American forces launch their plenary attack against al-Sader city.

The Iraqi government yesterday announced blockage on one of the two main oil pipes in the southern part of the country after threats of attacks and this reduced the Iraqi exports by half.

Close monitoring of oil pipelines is maintained in the south because they constitute the only regular source for the oil exports as a result of the repeated attacks against the northern oil pipelines which links Karhouk city to Jeihan port in Turkey.

Previous Stories:
  Iraq looses 30 million dollars daily because of oil line block   (8/12/2004)
  Syrian-Iraqi enhanced banking relations   (7/19/2004)
  Oil pipelines explosions in the south reduced Iraqi exports to the one third   (6/16/2004)

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