Iraq to resume Kirkuk-Ceyhan oil exports within a week

2026-03-16 - 12:32

Strategic shift away from Gulf exports In a video statement, Deputy Prime Minister for Energy Affairs and Oil Minister Hayyan Abdul Ghani outlined Iraq’s response to the disruption of its primary export channel. He explained that prior to the current conflict, Iraq shipped approximately 3.4 million barrels per day, predominantly through southern terminals such as Basra. However, military escalation in the Gulf and Iran’s decision to restrict passage through the Strait of Hormuz have forced a dramatic reduction in output. “Oil production has now been reduced to 1.5–1.6 million barrels per day to meet the needs of refineries and power plants,” Abdul Ghani stated, noting that facilities are operating at maximum capacity to produce gasoline, diesel, and LPG while maintaining emergency reserves. Technical details and timeline The minister confirmed that the Iraq-Türkiye pipeline, which transports crude from Kirkuk fields to the Ceyhan port, has a capacity of 200,000 to 250,000 barrels per day. Final testing and maintenance are currently underway, with hydrostatic tests on a 100-kilometer section expected to conclude within a week. “Oil will be fed directly from the Kirkuk fields into the pipeline and can be sent to Türkiye without passing through the KRG,” Abdul Ghani emphasized, highlighting the operational independence from regional authorities. Baghdad is also exploring additional export routes, including shipments via Syria’s Baniyas Port and the Aqaba pipeline corridor, as part of a broader strategy to diversify outlets. Direct flow bypassing KRG The reactivation of the Kirkuk-Ceyhan line represents a critical alternative for Iraq, which remains bound by its OPEC production quota of approximately 4.4 million barrels per day. With southern exports paralyzed, the pipeline through Türkiye offers a viable pathway to resume international sales and stabilize domestic energy supplies. The development underscores Ankara’s role as a key energy corridor for regional producers navigating heightened tensions in the Gulf. As testing enters its final phase, all eyes are on the pipeline’s readiness to deliver Kirkuk crude to global markets via Ceyhan.