Iraq plans a major shift in its energy strategy as officials prepare the Kirkuk oil exports to Turkey route. The government expects the project to revive northern shipments. Meanwhile, technicians continue final pipeline testing before operations begin.
First, Oil Minister Hayan Abdul Ghani confirmed that crews have nearly finished repairing the pipeline. The line connects the oil fields in Kirkuk to the Iraq–Turkey export network. Officials now expect the final testing stage within days.
Moreover, engineers from the North Oil Company and the Oil Projects Company continue hydrostatic tests on the remaining pipeline section. This step measures pressure and safety across the system.
According to officials, around 100 kilometers of pipeline still require verification. However, testing crews have already begun the final inspection process. As a result, authorities expect completion within one week.
Furthermore, the government plans to begin Kirkuk oil exports to Turkey immediately after testing finishes. Officials say the pipeline will send crude directly into the Iraq–Turkey pipeline.
This route will bypass the Kurdistan Regional Government territory. Consequently, Baghdad could move oil without relying on regional pipeline agreements.
In addition, officials expect exports between 200,000 and 250,000 barrels per day from Kirkuk fields. These shipments could restore a portion of northern export capacity.
Meanwhile, negotiations between Baghdad and Erbil remain unresolved. Officials from both sides continue discussions about using the pipeline infrastructure that crosses the Kurdistan Region.
However, the talks have not produced an agreement. Federal officials say discussions continue, but progress remains limited.
At the same time, Iraq urgently seeks alternative export routes. Recent disruptions near the Strait of Hormuz forced tanker traffic to slow. Consequently, southern terminals near Basra lost most export activity.
Therefore, the pipeline to the Turkish Mediterranean port of Ceyhan now carries growing importance. Officials view this route as a key solution for restoring shipments.
Nevertheless, tensions between Baghdad and Erbil continue to rise. The Ministry of Oil of Iraq recently said Kurdish authorities declined a request to restart exports.
Federal officials asked the region to resume shipments of about 300,000 barrels per day. However, Kurdish officials rejected that claim.
Meanwhile, the Kurdistan Regional Government Ministry of Natural Resources criticized Baghdad’s explanation. Officials argued that economic restrictions and security threats halted production.
They also pointed to attacks on energy infrastructure across the region. According to regional officials, those strikes disrupted oil production in several areas.
As tensions continue, lawmakers plan urgent talks in the Council of Representatives of Iraq. Officials scheduled the meeting for Tuesday evening.
During the session, federal and Kurdish energy officials will discuss ways to restart shipments through Ceyhan. The outcome could determine the future of Kirkuk oil exports to Turkey.
If leaders reach an agreement, the pipeline could restore northern oil flows and reduce pressure on Iraq’s fragile economy.
