Iraq urges oil customers to send loading plans after Hormuz exemption

On 2026-04-06, Iraq's state oil marketer SOMO asked crude oil customers to send lifting schedules within 24 hours after reports that Iran exempted Iraq from transit restrictions through the Strait of Hormuz. SOMO said all loading terminals were operational and ready to execute lifting programs, aiming to boost Iraq's oil exports. The move concerns crude export logistics rather than a monetary or fiscal policy shift.