KRG resumes oil exports to global markets after two-year suspension
DAMASCUS, Syria (North Press) – Kurdistan Regional Government’s (KRG) Prime Minister, Masrour Barzani, announced on Saturday the resumption of the region’s oil exports via the Iraqi-Turkish pipeline, ending a suspension of more than two years caused by political and legal disputes between Baghdad and Erbil.
Speaking at a conference in Erbil, Barzani described the agreement reached with the federal government as “a major achievement for all Iraqis, particularly the people of Kurdistan.”
He expressed gratitude to all parties involved, highlighting the role of the United States through both its Washington institutions and its embassy in Baghdad and consulate in Erbil in supporting the restart of exports.
The Iraqi Federal Ministry of Oil confirmed that operations resumed at 6 AM smoothly and at high pace, with no significant technical issues, emphasizing that the move reflected the success of joint efforts between Baghdad and Erbil.
Ali Nizar, director of the Iraqi Oil Marketing Company (SOMO), told AFP that export shipments had begun, with SOMO handling at least 190,000 barrels per day for international markets and allocating 50,000 barrels per day for local consumption.
The resumption follows years of tension, including the 2023 International Court of Arbitration ruling in Paris, which required Turkey to halt Kurdish oil imports without Baghdad’s consent, suspending the Ceyhan pipeline and obligating Ankara to pay approximately $1.5 billion in compensation to Baghdad.
Before the 2023 halt, the Kurdistan Region exported around 450,000 barrels per day through Ceyhan, making oil a central point of contention between Baghdad and Erbil for the past two and a half years.
Reporting by Taysir Mohammed