18.03.2026 11:41
A solution has been found for the global oil crisis triggered by the closure of the Strait of Hormuz. An agreement has been signed to transport Iraqi oil through the territories of the Kurdistan Regional Government to the Ceyhan Port. Following the agreement signed yesterday, exports began this morning.
The Iraqi central government and the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) had reached an agreement on the export of Kirkuk oil to Turkey via Northern Iraq.
250,000 BARRELS WILL BE SENT DAILY
In a statement made by the North Oil Company of Iraq, it was reported that oil extracted from Kirkuk has started to be re-exported to the Ceyhan Port in Turkey via KRG territories from 06:30 local time, and in the initial phase, an export of 250,000 barrels per day will be carried out.
The statement noted that the Kirkuk fields have been reactivated strongly in terms of production and export, while the previously experienced interruption posed a significant challenge for the oil sector.
"THE FLEXIBILITY OF THE OIL EXPORT SYSTEM WILL INCREASE"
It was noted that the agreement contributes to the reactivation of one of Iraq's strategic export lines and increases the flexibility of the oil export system. Additionally, it was stated that the Saralu pumping station has been activated for the transportation of Kirkuk oil to Ceyhan, and the export will initially be carried out with a capacity of 250,000 barrels per day.
IT WILL CONTRIBUTE TO STABILITY
In its statement, the North Oil Company expressed that the resumption of exports is not only a technical development but also a result of the intense efforts of the engineering and technical teams working in the field. The statement emphasized that the Kirkuk fields are of critical importance to the Iraqi economy and that this step will contribute to strengthening stability in the oil market. Within the framework of the agreement reached yesterday between the KRG and Baghdad, it is planned to ship Kirkuk and regional oil to global markets together via the same line starting today.
Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) Prime Minister Masrour Barzani stated in a statement yesterday that an agreement has been reached with the Iraqi central government for the re-export of Kirkuk oil through the Kirkuk-Ceyhan pipeline extending to Turkey.