APIKUR Urges Action as Iraq’s Engagement on Oil Exports Remains 'Limited and Unproductive'
"The stagnant negotiations highlight a growing disconnect between Iraq’s public statements and its actions," said Myles B. Caggins III, spokesperson for APIKUR.
ERBIL (Kurdistan24) — Despite repeated public affirmations from the Government of Iraq (GoI) about the strategic importance of resuming oil exports through the Iraq-Türkiye Pipeline (ITP), the engagements with international oil companies (IOCs) and industry groups have thus far been limited and unproductive, according to the Association of the Petroleum Industry of Kurdistan (APIKUR).
In a statement released on Sunday, APIKUR expressed deep concern over the ongoing stalemate following a recent meeting held on April 20 between representatives from APIKUR, other IOCs, and officials from both the GoI and the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG). The meeting ended without any concrete agreements, leaving the future of oil exports through the vital ITP uncertain.
"APIKUR member companies have repeatedly proposed solutions that satisfy both Iraq’s Budget Law and comply with international oil company contracts, which have been validated in Iraq’s courts," said Myles B. Caggins III, spokesperson for APIKUR. "We regret the lack of progress, nevertheless, we will continue to push for a resumption of oil exports through the Iraq-Türkiye Pipeline."
The association noted that its members stand ready to resume exports immediately once binding agreements are reached that ensure payment certainty for future shipments and address outstanding payment arrears. However, despite offering multiple public and private proposals, including a comprehensive scope of work for an international consultant acceptable under both Iraq’s Budget Law and existing IOC contracts, these efforts have not been accepted.
While APIKUR acknowledged the governments’ willingness to consider options for payment guarantees, it stressed that substantive discussions have yet to materialize, leaving critical issues unresolved.
The stagnant negotiations highlight a growing disconnect between Iraq’s public statements and its actions. APIKUR called for a redoubling of efforts by all parties to urgently find mutually beneficial solutions to restart the flow of oil exports that are crucial to Iraq’s economy and regional stability.
