OPEC Output Rose to 19.85 Million Barrels a Day in July as Iran Also Raised Exports During a Two Week Gap in the US Blockade

According to Oilprice.com, in a report published Tuesday, August 11, 2026 (20 Mordad 1405), production at the 11 member OPEC group rose 1.17 million barrels a day in July from June to 19.85 million barrels a day, a second straight monthly increase, according to a Reuters survey based on ship tracking data and information from OPEC sources, oil companies and consultants. The rise was driven mainly by Gulf producers restoring output that had been shut in during the Strait of Hormuz's three month closure; Iraq and Kuwait led the gains, with Iraq posting the largest monthly increase. Kuwait's July output was estimated at about 1.971 million barrels a day, up from 1.65 million in June. Oilprice.com said Iran also benefited in July from a two week period in which the US blockade aimed at curbing Iranian oil exports was lifted, raising its own output and supply to markets. Group output nonetheless remained well below OPEC+ quotas, as shipping constraints in the Persian Gulf continue to prevent a full recovery in production.