Iraq aims to increase production at the Rumaila oilfield by 50,000 barrels per day (b/d) in 2018, an official at the field told Reuters.

The oilfield currently produces 1.45 million b/d, the official said, which will rise to 1.5 million b/d next year.

BP and CNPC currently operate the field, according to Reuters. The oilfield is located close to the southern port city of Basra.

Iraq is the second largest oil exporter in OPEC. Its exports took a hit after the central government seized the Kirkuk oilfields from the semi-autonomous Kurdish Regional Government in the north.

In response, Iraq has sought to increase exports from its southern oilfields around Basra.