Iraqi government aims to restart oil exports through Ceyhan
The Iraqi Ministry of Oil has expressed its strong commitment to resolving outstanding issues, signaling its eagerness to recommence oil exports via the Turkish port of Ceyhan.
The ministry spokesperson, Asem Jihad, disclosed that concerted efforts are underway to address legal, technical, and financial challenges associated with contracts entered into by the Kurdistan region of Iraq with international companies.
Emphasizing the need for alignment with contracts established by the federal government or the Ministry of Oil, Jihad highlighted that modifying the legal structure of these agreements is essential for expediting the resumption of oil exports through Ceyhan.
Furthermore, the Turkish Ambassador to Iraq, Ali Reza Gunay, affirmed his country’s readiness to resume oil exports from Iraqi Kurdistan during a recent meeting with the Prime Minister of the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG), Masrour Barzani.
This announcement follows the Iraqi Oil Minister, Hayan Abdul-Ghani’s statement on November 12, wherein he anticipated reaching an agreement with the KRG, oil companies, and Ankara to restart oil exports from Iraq to Turkey. The halt in oil exports, in effect for several months, prompted discussions between Abdul-Ghani and the Prime Minister of Iraqi Kurdistan in Erbil.
It is noteworthy that Turkey ceased transporting Kurdistan’s oil to the Ceyhan port on March 25, citing an international arbitration decision that mandated compensation to Baghdad for violating the 1973 pipeline agreement.
The violation pertained to Ankara allowing the export of the region’s oil without Baghdad’s approval between 2014 and 2018. The ongoing efforts by the Iraqi government aim to navigate legal intricacies and pave the way for the resumption of crucial oil exports through the Ceyhan port.
