Core Viewpoint - Iraq has directed a halt on imports of middle distillates, claiming self-sufficiency due to increased oil production and refining capacity [1][2] Group 1: Oil Production and Exports - Iraq's oil production has increased, particularly from the Nasiriyah field, which now produces 80,000 barrels per day [1] - Total oil exports from Iraq averaged between 3.4 and 3.45 million barrels per day in September [1] Group 2: Refining Infrastructure - Iraq's refining capacity is currently around 1.3 million barrels per day, with plans to increase it to over 1.5 million barrels per day [2] - The refining sector has been significantly upgraded since late-2022, following the formation of a new government [2] - Previous terrorist attacks had severely degraded the refining infrastructure, notably the destruction of the Shamal refinery in 2014 [2] Group 3: Import Dynamics - Iraq primarily imports gasoline and gasoil diesel, but has made significant upgrades to its refineries in Karbala, Basra, and Kirkuk [3] - Despite claims of self-sufficiency, Iraq still imports high-octane gasoline and certain low-sulfur diesel grades that do not meet Euro-spec quality [3] - Customs data indicates that Iraq imported 50,000 barrels per day of gasoline in the first half of the current year, down from 120,000 barrels per day last year [4]