16.03.2026 16:03
Iraq's Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Oil Hayyan Abdulgani stated that they are developing alternative export plans following the halt of oil exports in the Strait of Hormuz. It was announced that the Kirkuk-Turkey oil pipeline would be reactivated within a week.
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Oil of Iraq, Hayyan Abdulgani, stated that they are preparing alternative export plans due to the halt of oil exports through the Strait of Hormuz and that the Kirkuk–Turkey oil pipeline could be reactivated within a week without passing through the territories of the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG).
IRAQ'S OIL EXPORTS HAVE STOPPED
In a video statement, Abdulgani noted that Iraq's crude oil production is approximately 4.4 million barrels per day according to OPEC quotas, but expressed that Iraq's oil exports have stopped due to military developments in the Gulf and the closure of the Strait of Hormuz a few days after the war began in the region.
PRODUCTION HAS BEEN REDUCED
Abdulgani stated that Iraq previously exported approximately 3.4 million barrels of oil daily, primarily through the Basra Oil Port and other southern ports, but with the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, the Ministry of Oil had to reduce production in the oil fields, and he added:
"Oil production has currently been reduced to 1.5–1.6 million barrels per day to meet the needs of refineries and power plants. Refineries are currently operating at their maximum design capacities, continuing the production of gasoline, diesel, and white petroleum products, as well as LPG (liquefied petroleum gas). Additionally, a certain amount of stock is being held for emergencies."
"FINAL TESTS ARE BEING CONDUCTED"
Abdulgani reported that Iraq is evaluating oil shipments through the Ceyhan Port in Turkey to restart exports, and tenders have also been opened for exports through the Banyas Port in Syria and the Aqaba line, stating that the Iraq-Turkey pipeline transporting Kirkuk oil has a capacity of 200–250 thousand barrels per day and that final testing and maintenance work is currently ongoing.
Abdulgani mentioned that the hydrostatic test remaining on the approximately 100-kilometer section is expected to be completed within a week, saying, "We will be able to send oil directly from the Kirkuk fields to the line (Iraq-Turkey pipeline) without passing through the KRG to Turkey."