Iraq continues closure of its main oil line, its exports recede

A spokesman for the Iraqi South Oil company stressed on Tuesday continued closure of one of the two main oil pipelines in southern Iraq for security reasons.

The spokesman who asked to be anonymous said that one of the two main pipelines in the south is still blocked and not working as a result of threats made by al-Mahdi army of the Shiite clergy Muqtada al-Sader.

But the spokesman explained that the company is pumping crude oil via the second pipeline to the two southern ports of al-Basra and Khour al-Amya.

He indicated that pumping rates are estimated between 36,000 to 42,000 barells per hour and at 25,000 barrels to Basra port and between 15,000 to 17,000 to Khour al-Ajmya port.