Iraqi Oil on Rise Following Invasion

Oil production in Iraq has risen above levels seen before the US military invaded the country in 2003, according to the International Energy Agency's latest monthly Oil Market Report.

Iraqi crude now runs at 2.3 million barrels a day compared with 1.9 million at the start of the year.

Improved security is behind the rise in oil production according to the report, which was launched just before the US handed over the Basra province to Iraqi forces yesterday.

By staff writer