Iraqi Kurdistan to Resume Oil Exports Through Turkey

A historic agreement has been signed between the federal government of Iraq and the Kurdish autonomy, which will end long-standing political and legal disputes and restore oil exports through the strategically important Kirkuk-Ceyhan pipeline. Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia' Al Sudani has announced that the export of oil produced from the fields of Iraqi Kurdistan to Turkey will resume within the next 48 hours.

In a social media post, Al Sudani described this agreement as "historic" and a "success that has been awaited for 18 years." According to the reached agreement, the Iraqi Ministry of Oil will accept crude oil produced in the fields of Iraqi Kurdistan and direct it to the Kirkuk-Ceyhan pipeline for export through the Turkish port of Ceyhan. Furthermore, 50,000 barrels of the daily production volume will be reserved for domestic consumption needs, while the rest will be exported through Iraq's state oil corporation, SOMO.

According to Al Sudani, this agreement will ensure the fair distribution of Iraq's wealth, accelerate the diversification of export routes, and stimulate investment in the economy. On September 24, the Ministry of Natural Resources of the Kurdish autonomy confirmed that corresponding contracts have already been signed with local and foreign companies, and they are only waiting for the final decision from the Iraqi Ministry of Oil to begin oil supplies.

Oil exports through this strategic pipeline were halted in March 2023, when Turkey closed it. The reason was the long-standing political and legal disputes between the federal government of Iraq (Baghdad) and the regional authorities of Iraqi Kurdistan (Erbil). Baghdad insisted on its exclusive right to export oil, while Erbil, citing constitutional provisions, defended its right to manage natural resources in coordination with the central authorities.

Many experts are inclined to believe that, despite the small volumes, this replenishment will not only stabilize Iraq's economy but also contribute to strengthening regional energy security by restoring oil supplies to the global market.