International oil companies in the Kurdistan Region loaded their first export cargo from Turkey’s Ceyhan terminal. Gulf Keystone Petroleum announced the update. The company said it loaded the new cargo under Iraq’s recent restart plan. It also said it expects payment for its share within 30 days. The company added that it will complete a second lifting at the end of November. These steps mark a major shift for Kurdistan oil exports after years of uncertainty.
Iraq restarted these exports in late September. The move came after a two-and-a-half-year halt. The shutdown began due to legal disputes between Baghdad, Ankara, and the Kurdistan Region. However, a new interim agreement created space for a temporary solution. The deal compensates producers with a portion of their crude deliveries to SOMO. This structure gives companies a clear payment route. It also encourages them to rejoin the export system. Therefore, Kurdistan oil exports gained new momentum.
Eight international oil companies joined the restart plan. These companies include Shamaran Petroleum, HKN Energy, Hunt Oil, and others. They accepted the new terms because they saw a stable path forward. The arrangement allows them to export crude while Baghdad manages the sales. It also reduces financial risk for each operator. Because of this balance, the export system began to move again.
However, DNO did not join the group. The Norwegian company holds the largest production position in the Kurdistan Region. DNO chose a different direction. It continues to sell crude directly to local traders. It accepts cash payments instead of waiting for formal export revenue. The company said this system works better for its current plans. This decision highlights the mixed positions among operators in the region.
Meanwhile, Iraq plans a strong export schedule for November. A new loading programme seen by Reuters shows a target of 250,000 barrels per day. The programme includes 12 cargoes. The volume marks an 86% increase from October levels. The strong schedule reflects Baghdad’s effort to rebuild export reliability. It also shows the government’s confidence in the new structure. If the plan succeeds, Kurdistan oil exports may reach higher stability in the coming months.
The restart strengthens ties between producers, Baghdad, and Turkey. It also supports the region’s energy market. Companies gain new revenue streams. Iraq gains higher export volumes. Turkey gains more pipeline activity. And the Kurdistan Region gains renewed economic momentum. This progress signals a new phase in the long-standing export dispute.
