Kirkuk oil exports through the Kurdistan Region climbed steadily on Wednesday. Officials at the Bakur Oil Company reported that daily shipments reached 250,000 barrels per day. This follows a rise over the past week, from 170,000 barrels to 200,000 barrels per day.
On March 25, 2026, Amer Khalil confirmed on social media that exports from Kirkuk and other major Kurdish fields through the Kurdistan Regional Pipeline to international ports had reached nearly 200,000 barrels per day. He said the shipments would steadily increase to 250,000 barrels today and could reach 300,000 barrels soon.
Additionally, Khalil explained that the Kirkuk crude blends with other production from the Kurdistan Region, which contributes about 40,000 barrels daily. Buyers seek Kirkuk crude for its high quality, and Bakur Oil Company has already started selling the exported oil immediately after loading. This strong demand highlights the global market’s continued interest in Kurdish oil.
Therefore, the Kurdistan Regional Pipeline resumed operations after Erbil and Baghdad reached an agreement. On February 18, the first batch of Kirkuk oil traveled to Turkey’s international ports. The pipeline remained inactive after February 28, when Iraq closed southern ports due to the conflict involving Iran, the United States, and Israel.
Before the conflict, Iraq exported around 3.4 million barrels of oil daily. Today, Kirkuk shipments travel exclusively through Turkey. The Kurdistan Region now plays a crucial role in maintaining Iraq’s oil exports and meeting global demand. Officials note that the steady increase also strengthens Iraq’s energy security and supports regional economic stability.
In conclusion, analysts say the gradual growth clearly demonstrates the Kurdistan Region’s ability to stabilize exports under challenging circumstances. They emphasize that Kirkuk crude remains one of Iraq’s most reliable and high-quality oil products, attracting strong interest from international buyers and maintaining Iraq’s strong presence in global oil markets.
