Iraq's oil production, exports unaffected by COVID-19 spread: ministry

Dubai — Iraq's crude production and exports are unaffected by the COVID-19 outbreak, which has spread to OPEC's second-largest oil producer, the spokesperson for the oil ministry told state-run Iraqi News Agency on Thursday.

The oil ministry has taken precautions particularly with regards to Chinese oil workers, postponing the return of those on vacation to Iraq, Assem Jihad told the agency.

Iraq reported its first case of COVID-19 on Monday, and so far has six confirmed cases, according to INA.

None of the oil workers in Iraq's fields have been infected, Jihad added.

Thousands of Chinese workers are employed in Iraq's oil industry. CNPC has an equity stake in the giant southern field of Rumaila alongside BP and also has an interest in West-Qurna 1, which is operated by ExxonMobil.

China's state-run CNOOC produces crude at the Maysan oilfield in southeast Iraq.

Iraq has banned its citizens from traveling to and from nine countries, including China, Iran, Japan, South Korea, Thailand, Singapore, Italy, Bahrain and Kuwait.