Iraq looks for new oil routes as Strait of Hormuz shipments halted

Iraq's Ministry of Oil said it is looking for alternative routes to export crude oil after shipments through the Strait of Hormuz were suspended.

In comments to the Arabic service of Al Jazeera, the ministry said Iraqi authorities are assessing possible alternatives to maintain oil exports while the strategic waterway remains effectively closed.

Roughly one-fifth of global oil supplies normally pass through the Strait of Hormuz, making it one of the most important energy shipping routes in the world.

The ministry also said maintenance and restoration work is continuing on the oil pipeline connecting the northern Iraqi city of Kirkuk with the Turkish oil export hub in Ceyhan.

However, Iraqi officials did not provide additional details about specific plans or timelines for securing alternative export routes.

By Tamilla Hasanova