Kurdistan Region Oil Transfer to SOMO started

The minister also revealed that discussions are ongoing with the Turkish government to reactivate the Iraq-Turkey pipeline, which runs through the Turkish Port of Ceyhan, facilitating the resumption of Kurdistan’s oil exports.

Iraq’s Minister of Oil, Hayan Abdul Ghani. (Photo: INA)
Iraq’s Minister of Oil, Hayan Abdul Ghani. (Photo: INA)

Feb. 4, 2025  

ERBIL (Kurdistan 24) – Iraq’s Minister of Oil, Hayan Abdul Ghani, announced on Monday that the federal government has officially begun the process of transferring Kurdistan Region’s oil to the State Organization for Marketing of Oil (SOMO). 

Speaking to the Iraqi News Agency (INA), Abdul Ghani stated that the Ministry of Oil has formally communicated with the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) through an official directive, outlining the procedures for the lawful handover of oil to SOMO. 

The minister also revealed that discussions are ongoing with the Turkish government to reactivate the Iraq-Turkey pipeline, which runs through the Turkish Port of Ceyhan, facilitating the resumption of Kurdistan’s oil exports.

"The designated volume for transfer to the federal Ministry of Oil will not be less than 300,000 barrels per day," Abdul Ghani confirmed.

In a similar development, Iraqi Deputy Speaker of the Council of Representatives Dr. Shakhawan Abdullah, affirmed Monday that Kurdistan’s oil exports would resume in the coming days, removing a major point of contention between Erbil and Baghdad.

Addressing a press conference attended by Kurdistan 24, Abdullah stated: "There are no longer any legal obstacles preventing the resumption of Kurdistan Region’s oil exports, and the process will commence soon."

On Sunday, the Iraqi Parliament approved an amendment to the federal budget, aiming to resolve the longstanding dispute between the Kurdistan Region and the federal government over oil revenues. 

Read More: Iraqi Parliament Approves Budget Amendment, Clearing Path for Kurdistan Oil Exports

With the legal framework now in place and technical preparations underway, the upcoming days are expected to mark a significant step toward restoring Kurdistan’s oil exports, reinforcing economic stability and cooperation between Erbil and Baghdad.