By Muslim Parrot Reporter
A senior official from the North Oil Company (NOC) disclosed on Wednesday the completion of repairs to the Iraq-Turkey oil pipeline, marking a significant milestone in restoring crucial energy infrastructure. According to Shafaq News, directives from the government are expected to determine the resumption of oil exports from the Kirkuk oilfields to the Turkish port of Ceyhan, guiding future pumping operations.
Following the destruction of the Iraqi-Turkish oil pipeline by ISIS militants, the NOC undertook extensive efforts to rebuild the vital conduit. The repair operation focused on addressing damages spanning the governorates of Nineveh, Salah Al-Din, and Kirkuk, culminating in the restoration of the pipeline’s functionality.
Over recent months, the NOC diligently replaced damaged sections and conducted comprehensive repairs, ensuring the pipeline’s readiness to transport crude oil as per the specifications outlined by the Iraqi Ministry of Oil. With these efforts, the pathway is now open for the resumption of crude oil exports from the Kirkuk oilfields to Turkey’s Ceyhan port, situated on the Mediterranean coast.
In early October 2023, Turkish Minister of Energy and Natural Resources, Alparslan Bayraktar, affirmed the operational readiness of the crude oil pipeline from Iraq to Turkey, dormant for approximately six months. Ankara stands poised to commence the reception of shipments, signaling a significant step towards normalized energy flow between the two nations.