The Kurdistan Regional Government’s acting Natural Resources Minister has responded to Baghdad’s offer to supply fuel, calling for a fairer share of crude oil for the Kurdistan Region.
Kamal Mohammed Saleh issued the statement after Iraqi Oil Minister Basim Mohammed said the federal government was ready to provide the Region with the fuel it needs.
According to Saleh, Baghdad linked the offer to the KRG handing over 50,000 barrels of oil allocated for domestic consumption.
Saleh said the Kurdistan Regional Government has repeatedly called for fairness in the distribution of oil revenues and domestic crude supplies.
He argued that the Region should receive more than twice the current amount of crude oil for local use when population and other relevant factors are considered.
Saleh also said the 50,000-barrel allocation resulted from a temporary arrangement and did not represent the KRG’s preferred or permanent share.
The minister stressed that protecting the interests of Kurdistan Region residents remains the government’s main priority.
He said the KRG is ready to negotiate with the Federal Ministry of Oil if Baghdad agrees to discuss supplying all types of fuel at subsidized prices.
Saleh added that any agreement should reflect the Kurdistan Region’s population and respect its constitutional rights.
He said the Region should receive a fair share comparable to the fuel and crude oil allocations available to other parts of Iraq.
The statement comes as fuel supply and pricing remain key issues for households and businesses across the Kurdistan Region.
Saleh also praised members of the Iraqi Council of Representatives who have called for a larger crude oil allocation for the Region.
The KRG says future talks should focus on a lasting arrangement that guarantees fair access to fuel, protects residents from shortages and places the Kurdistan Region on equal terms with other Iraqi provinces.
