Iraq is trying to hire several oil tankers to transit the Strait of Hormuz so it can deliver its crude oil to global markets.

According to the Iraqi government spokesman, the process has been initiated through the state-owned tanker company of Iraq and has been approved in advance by its cabinet.

On that basis, few owners are willing to send their vessels from the Strait of Hormuz to the Persian Gulf.

Iraq and other regional producers are increasingly selling their oil for delivery in the Gulf of Oman.

This week, Iraq’s Oil Marketing Organization sharply reduced the discount on its oil sales from export terminals in the northern Gulf of the Persian Gulf.