Iraq and Turkey Revive Pipeline Exports Through Ceyhan

Iraq and Turkey have signed a one-year agreement to revive large-scale crude exports through the Iraq-Turkey pipeline to the Mediterranean port of Ceyhan. The deal guarantees transit capacity of up to 750,000 barrels per day and will ensure continued operation of the export route while negotiations continue on a permanent pipeline accord.

Turkish Energy Minister Alparslan Bayraktar stated that the arrangement would allow effective use of the pipeline until a new long-term agreement is concluded. Iraqi Oil Minister Bassem Mohammed Khudair al-Abadi said the agreement would remain in force for one year while Baghdad and Ankara finalize a wider framework covering cooperation in the oil, electricity, and water sectors.

The Iraq-Turkey pipeline has operated far below capacity since 2023 after exports from Iraq's semi-autonomous Kurdistan region were halted following legal and commercial disputes involving Baghdad, Erbil, and Ankara. Limited exports resumed last year. The agreement is expected to substantially increase northern export volumes, though not fully restore pre-2023 flows.