Iraq will boost its crude oil supply by an additional 90,000 barrels per day through the Kurdistan Region’s pipeline. This increase will raise Iraq’s total daily exports through the route to 340,000 barrels. Authorities will deliver the extra volume from Kirkuk’s main oil terminal, K1, to meet global market demand efficiently.
The K1 terminal now has greater capacity to handle more oil. The additional 90,000 barrels will come from northern and southern fields in Iraq. Combined with Kirkuk’s existing 250,000 barrels per day, the terminal will provide an uninterrupted supply to the port for export.
The North Oil Company upgraded the terminal’s pumping facilities on April 5, 2026. Previously, older pumps limited K1’s throughput. After the upgrades, the company will collect oil from the Bai Hassan, Khabbaz, Jambur, and Kirkuk fields at K1. From there, it will send the oil via the Kurdistan pipeline to Turkey’s Ceyhan port, reaching international markets.
Additionally, a senior North Oil Company official said that this step aims to increase Kirkuk’s exports through the Kurdistan pipeline. Currently, the terminal handles 250,000 barrels daily, and the company plans to add 90,000 more.
The Federal Ministry of Oil had restricted exports via Iraq’s southern ports since February 28 due to tensions following the Iran–U.S.–Israel conflict and security concerns in the Strait of Hormuz. On March 18, authorities resumed Kirkuk oil exports through the Kurdistan pipeline.
Aamer Khalil, General Manager of the North Oil Company, said the upgrades will double K1’s pumping capacity from 45,000 to 90,000 barrels per day. Therefore, he added that 400–450 tankers per day will transport the additional supply.
Iraq currently needs 3.5 million barrels of daily exports to cover government spending. In conclusion, besides the Turkey route, it ships crude via Syria by tanker to maintain revenue. Boosting exports through the Kurdistan pipeline also helps stabilize oil income.
