Iraq shakes up rankings of oil nations. Who's on top?

When Iraq raised its estimate of proven oil reserves Monday, the world had to revise the list of nations with the most reserves. Not counting Canada's oil sands, here's a look at the new Top 5 nations:

3. Iraq: 143.1 billion barrels

Elizabeth Dalziel/AP/File
In this 2003 file photo, an Iraqi oil worker tends to his work at the Basra Oil refinery in southern Iraq. Iraq's oil minister said Oct. 4 his country's oil reserves are significantly higher than current estimates.

By boosting the official estimate of reserves by 25 percent Monday, Iraq Oil Minister Hussain al-Shahristani edged out next-door Iran as the world's No. 3 oil nation. The revision comes after exploration efforts, launched two years ago, offered an updated estimate of reserves, the ministry said.

3 of 5
You've read  of  free articles. Subscribe to continue.