Kurdistan oil export delay remains unresolved due to disagreements over the volume allocated for internal use. Iraq’s Oil Minister Hayyan Abdulghani confirmed the issue in a press statement.
He explained that although both the Iraqi federal government and Turkey are ready to resume oil flows, they still await delivery from the Kurdistan Region. The Iraqi side remains prepared, but the regional authorities have not yet handed over the required oil quantities.
Abdulghani stated that Iraq loses around 300,000 barrels daily from its OPEC quota. Kurdistan produces this oil but does not export it. This gap directly damages Iraq’s official oil output record.
The minister pointed out that the Iraqi budget law obligates the Kurdistan Region to deliver 400,000 barrels per day to SOMO, Iraq’s state oil company. These deliveries are meant for export via the Iraq-Turkey oil pipeline.
To speed up the process, the budget law was amended. Authorities agreed to pay $16 in advance for each barrel produced in Kurdistan. Parliament approved this agreement, and all political factions supported it.
Still, Abdulghani said the dispute remains over the allowed internal-use volume. The original agreement capped internal use at 46,000 barrels daily. However, the Kurdistan Region now demands 65,000 barrels, violating the budget law terms.
The Kurdistan oil export delay stems from this unresolved issue between Baghdad and Erbil. Both sides acknowledge the economic impact, but legal limits still apply.
Abdulghani added that Iraq has informed Turkish and Kurdish officials that it stands ready to receive and export the agreed volume. Even Turkish energy officials confirmed their readiness during recent meetings.
Despite technical preparations, the oil remains undelivered. This leads to losses Iraq can’t afford amid global market pressures.
The Kurdistan oil export delay now affects Iraq’s standing within OPEC, reducing its effective quota. Baghdad receives no financial benefit from this withheld oil.
Moving forward, a political solution is necessary. All parties must return to the original terms to restore oil flow and prevent further loss.
