Iraqi PM Orders International Oil Companies in Kurdistan Region to Resume Operations
Peregraf- Ali Faleh al-Zaidi directed international oil companies operating in the Kurdistan Region to resume their activities starting Thursday, as Baghdad seeks to increase production and offset losses caused by disruptions to Iraq’s oil exports.
The directive came during a meeting in Baghdad between the Iraqi prime minister, a delegation from the Kurdistan Regional Government led by Natural Resources Minister Kamal Mohammed Salih, and representatives of several international oil companies operating in the Kurdistan Region.
The meeting was also attended by Iraq’s foreign minister, oil minister, and chief of staff of the army.
Companies Ordered to Resume Operations
According to the Prime Minister’s Media Office, Zaidi instructed oil companies in the Kurdistan Region to restart operations beginning tomorrow.
He also ordered that all necessary requirements and support be provided to ensure the continuation of their activities.
The prime minister stressed the importance of cooperation between Baghdad, Erbil, and international energy companies to create an appropriate operating environment and facilitate the resumption of production.
Focus on Export Losses
During the meeting, company representatives briefed the Iraqi government on operating conditions and challenges facing the sector following recent regional instability and conflict.
Zaidi said Iraq had suffered significant losses due to disruptions affecting oil exports through the Strait of Hormuz.
He emphasized the need to compensate for those losses by increasing production and addressing obstacles that have hindered oil operations.
Security and Production Concerns
The meeting comes amid ongoing efforts by Baghdad and Erbil to restore oil production and exports in the Kurdistan Region, where several international companies have reduced or suspended activities because of security concerns and repeated drone attacks targeting energy infrastructure.
KRG officials have repeatedly argued that stronger security guarantees are necessary before companies can fully resume operations.
The latest directive signals Baghdad’s intention to accelerate the return of oil production as Iraq seeks to maintain export revenues and stabilize energy output amid continuing regional tensions.