Turkey-Iraq Oil Pipeline: A New Chapter in Energy Cooperation

Turkey and Iraq are negotiating a new energy agreement to optimize the Kirkuk-Ceyhan oil pipeline operations. Turkish Energy Minister Alparslan Bayraktar emphasizes the importance of a mechanism to maximize pipeline usage. Iraq and Turkey also consider expanding their collaboration to include oil, gas, petrochemicals, and electricity sectors.

Turkey is urging Iraq to establish a new energy agreement that would ensure the full utilization of the Kirkuk-Ceyhan oil pipeline, Turkish Energy Minister Alparslan Bayraktar announced. The existing agreement, dating back decades, is set to expire in July 2026, prompting discussions for an expansion involving oil, gas, petrochemicals, and electricity.

Bayraktar revealed Turkey's central demand during a post-cabinet meeting briefing, highlighting the necessity of a mechanism to fully leverage the pipeline's 1.5 million barrels per day capacity. Currently, the pipeline remains dormant following a legal ruling against Turkey, which is being contested.

Turkey's proposal entails extending the pipeline southwards within Iraq, a move aligned with the country's Development Road initiative. This infrastructure project aims to enhance connectivity from Iraq's Basrah to Europe through Turkey, presenting an opportunity to amplify the pipeline's reach and efficiency.

(With inputs from agencies.)