Iraq resumed exports of around 200,000 barrels per day through the Kirkuk-Ceyhan pipeline in March, but this remains well below the country's export capacity of more than 4 million barrels per day.
Iraq Forms Government Committee to Negotiate New Oil Pipeline Deal With Turkey
With the Kirkuk-Ceyhan pipeline agreement set to expire in July, Baghdad has assembled a multi-ministry committee — including Kurdish representation — to secure a replacement framework with Ankara.
What Readers Should Know- Iraq formed a committee to negotiate a new pipeline agreement with Turkey before the current deal expires in July.
- The Kirkuk-Ceyhan pipeline has been in operation under a bilateral agreement for more than five decades.
- The committee includes Iraq's oil, finance, and foreign affairs ministries, plus Kurdistan region officials.
- Iraq resumed roughly 200,000 bpd through the pipeline in March — well below its 4 million bpd export capacity.
- Iraqi Prime Minister Ali Al-Zaidi is expected to visit Ankara next month for pipeline talks.
Iraq Moves to Protect Kirkuk-Ceyhan Pipeline Exports
MONTREAL (Oil Monster): Iraq has established a government committee to negotiate a new oil pipeline agreement with Turkey before the current deal expires in July. The move is designed to ensure uninterrupted crude oil exports through the Kirkuk-Ceyhan pipeline and reduce Iraq's dependence on the Strait of Hormuz.
The existing agreement is set to end following Turkey's demand for a new framework. The pipeline arrangement between the two countries has been in place for more than five decades.
The newly formed Iraqi committee includes representatives from the ministries of oil, finance, and foreign affairs, along with officials from the Kurdistan region. According to Iraq's Oil Ministry, the committee will work with Turkish authorities to finalize a replacement agreement that guarantees the continued flow of crude oil to international markets.
Pipeline Volumes Remain Far Below Iraq's Export Capacity
Iraq resumed exports of approximately 200,000 barrels per day through the Kirkuk-Ceyhan pipeline in March. That figure remains significantly below the country's total export capacity of more than 4 million barrels per day.
Iraqi PM Expected in Ankara for Pipeline Talks
Iraqi Prime Minister Ali Al-Zaidi is expected to visit Ankara next month for negotiations on the new pipeline agreement. The talks are anticipated to strengthen energy cooperation between Iraq and Turkey.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Iraq-Turkey Pipeline Deal
Why is Iraq negotiating a new pipeline deal with Turkey? The existing Kirkuk-Ceyhan pipeline agreement is set to expire in July, following Turkey's demand for a new framework. Iraq formed a committee to ensure uninterrupted crude exports continue before the deadline.
What is the Kirkuk-Ceyhan pipeline? It is an oil pipeline that carries Iraqi crude to Turkey's Ceyhan port on the Mediterranean Sea. The pipeline agreement between Iraq and Turkey has been in place for more than five decades.
How much oil is Iraq exporting through the Kirkuk-Ceyhan pipeline? Iraq resumed exports of around 200,000 barrels per day through the pipeline in March, which is well below Iraq's total export capacity of more than 4 million barrels per day.
Who is on Iraq's pipeline negotiating committee? The committee includes representatives from Iraq's ministries of oil, finance, and foreign affairs, as well as officials from the Kurdistan region.
When will Iraq and Turkey hold talks on the new pipeline deal? Iraqi Prime Minister Ali Al-Zaidi is expected to visit Ankara next month to advance negotiations on a replacement pipeline agreement.
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