Iraq may soon restart oil exports from the Kirkuk fields through the Kurdistan Region pipeline to Ceyhan port. A senior government source said exports could begin as early as next week. Baghdad is searching for alternatives as the strategic Strait of Hormuz remains largely closed due to the ongoing regional conflict.
A high-level official from the Iraqi Ministry of Oil said that Iraq has already asked the Kurdistan Regional Government for permission to use the pipeline. The official said Baghdad expects a response before the end of the week. If the request is approved, exports could begin soon after.
Officials say the war involving the United States and Israel against Iran has created serious security concerns in the region. The conflict has also disrupted key energy routes and forced Iraq to look for new ways to reach global markets.
According to the source, the federal government plans to export 250,000 barrels of Kirkuk oil per day through the Kurdistan pipeline in the first stage. The amount could increase later if the route proves stable and efficient.
Baghdad has started discussions with the Kurdistan Regional Government to finalize the arrangement. Negotiations are still ongoing, but officials say both sides are working toward a quick decision.
The Iraqi government has also offered incentives to support the agreement. Officials indicated that if the Kurdistan Region approves the plan, Baghdad may speed up the transfer of salary payments for regional public employees. Salary disputes between Erbil and Baghdad previously left many workers unpaid for months.
At the moment, oil exports through the Kurdistan pipeline remain limited. The region currently exports around 20,000 to 40,000 barrels per day to the port of Ceyhan. This volume is too small to keep the pipeline operating efficiently.
Before the recent war began, the Kurdistan Region exported more than 200,000 barrels per day through the same route. The Iraqi government now views this pipeline as the most practical option for delivering oil to European and global markets.
The push to restart the route comes as the Strait of Hormuz, which normally handles about 20 percent of global seaborne oil trade, has remained mostly closed for nearly two weeks. The conflict has disrupted oil production and trade across the region.
Officials say restoring exports through the Kurdistan pipeline could help Iraq stabilize production and maintain its role in international energy markets.
