Peregraf - Iraq’s Prime Minister convened a meeting to explore reactivating the long-dormant Kirkuk–Ceyhan state pipeline—just days after the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) quietly began allowing Kirkuk oil to export through the Kurdistan Region pipeline.
Five days after the Kurdistan Region quietly began allowing Kirkuk oil to pump to Turkey’s Ceyhan port, Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani met with senior oil officials on Monday to discuss a federal alternative. The resumption of this Kirkuk Oil Export—not KRG crude—via the export through the KRG pipeline was authorized by the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) following a pivotal phone call between Tom Barrack, US Special Envoy for Iraq, and Prime Minister Masrour Barzani. This agreement comes as Iraq seeks urgent export alternatives during the 24th day of the US war against Iran, which has paralyzed southern terminals.
The discussion centered on the Kirkuk–Ceyhan pipeline, the Iraqi state artery that has been dormant since 2014 due to damage from the conflict with ISIS. Reactivating this federal line, while the Kirkuk Oil Export is already moving via the export through the KRG pipeline, would provide Baghdad with independent control over northern exports.
While the Prime Minister’s office offered no direct comment on the Kirkuk Oil Export through the KRG pipeline, the timing of the meeting is significant. With Baghdad’s southern ports impacted by the war against Iran, and Erbil already filling the vacuum through the arrangement facilitated by the US to move Kirkuk oil, al-Sudani is moving to ensure the federal government is not sidelined in the northern oil trade.
Officials also reviewed fuel stockpiles and refinery capacity, but the pipeline reactivation remains the primary focus. The proposals will be submitted to the Council of Ministers for a formal decision.