Iraq is preparing to resume crude exports through Turkiye’s Ceyhan port, aiming to boost oil flow and revive international trade. The announcement came from Oil Minister Hayan Abdul-Ghani during a press conference at the Jambur oil field.
The minister confirmed that the country will restart oil shipments through Ceyhan within two days. This move marks a vital step to restore Iraq’s oil exports after a long pause. Legal disputes between Baghdad and the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) previously halted crude oil shipments through this route. Those disputes centered on export rights and the division of oil revenues.
Currently, the Kurdistan Region produces about 230,000 barrels per day. Local facilities consume 50,000 barrels, while the federal government prepares 80,000 barrels for export to boost oil flow through Ceyhan.
The blockage of oil flow through the pipeline began after a ruling that backed Baghdad’s claim that only the federal government can manage exports. This led to over a year of suspension, which heavily impacted regional and national oil income.
During the same visit, Abdul-Ghani also launched a new oil processing station at the Jambur field. This facility, developed with the help of an Italian firm, can process up to 90,000 barrels per day. The facility is expected to play a major role in stabilizing the oil supply chain in the region.
The minister revealed further plans to raise oil output in Kirkuk province. The current production level stands at 350,000 barrels per day, but officials aim to increase this to 600,000 barrels. To support this plan, British energy giant BP is set to begin operations in Kirkuk within a month.
Moreover, the oil ministry is preparing to launch more facilities under the North Oil Company. These efforts are being led by the Italian firm Mandresi, which also worked on the Jambur expansion. Their cooperation has been critical in increasing the field’s output capacity.
All these steps point toward Iraq’s broader goal to boost oil flow across its infrastructure and regain its position in the international oil market. This renewed export activity through Ceyhan could restore vital revenue streams and strengthen ties with Turkiye.