Iraq restarts oil exports through Türkiye's Ceyhan terminal

2026-03-18 - 09:10

Iraq has resumed oil exports through Türkiye's Ceyhan port, restarting crude flows from the northern Kirkuk fields after an almost three-year hiatus, the state-owned North Oil Company confirmed Wednesday. In a statement carried by the official Iraqi News Agency, the company announced that operations recommenced via the Saralo pumping station with an initial export capacity of 250,000 barrels per day. Baghdad-KRG Breakthrough The resumption follows a significant agreement between Iraq's federal government and the Kurdistan Regional Government to reactivate the critical export corridor, which has remained dormant due to longstanding disputes over revenue sharing and export rights. The KRG announced Tuesday that understandings had been reached with Baghdad to restore oil flows through the region to Türkiye's Mediterranean terminal, supporting Iraq's overall export system at a critical moment for global energy markets. Strategic Importance Amid Crisis The reactivation of the northern route carries heightened significance as the Strait of Hormuz remains effectively closed following Iran's retaliatory actions against US-Israeli attacks that have killed approximately 1,300 Iranians since Feb. 28. Prior to the conflict, some 20 million barrels of oil daily transited the strategic waterway, and its disruption has sent global prices climbing. On Sunday, Iraq's Oil Ministry signaled readiness to resume northern exports amid disruptions to southern routes linked to the Hormuz crisis. Türkiye's Role Ceyhan port's renewed role as an outlet for Iraqi crude reinforces Türkiye's position as a vital energy corridor connecting regional producers to global markets. The development comes as Ankara continues advocating for regional stability and diversified energy routes, with the Ceyhan terminal offering an alternative to Gulf shipping lanes now compromised by ongoing hostilities. The resumption also promises economic benefits for all parties involved, providing much-needed revenue streams and strengthening energy cooperation between Ankara and Baghdad.