"The Iraqi Ministry of Oil expects crude prices to rise to $ 80 a barrel," the Iraqi News Agency said on Sunday.

"> The official agency quoted a ministry spokesman Asim Jihad as saying in remarks for the Iraqi Canal we are optimistic at higher prices, but we count on stability.

"The jihad predicted prices to overcome $ 70 and reach $ 80 a barrel, but did not mention a time frame for expected increase in price.

> The prices of oil are witnessing up on recent weeks, and closed above $ 70 a barrel on Friday, amid expectations for limited growth in US raw production this year. p>