The Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) has fulfilled its obligations on oil exports and now waits for Baghdad to finalize the trilateral agreement. The agreement involves the federal government, the KRG, and international oil companies, aiming to resume Kurdistan oil exports under Iraq’s federal framework.
The Kurdistan Region’s Ministry of Natural Resources (MNR) confirmed that it has complied with all instructions issued by the Iraqi Council of Ministers. It has officially informed domestic and foreign oil companies to align with the new framework. Officials noted that only one foreign company has yet to finalize its commitments, which does not affect the broader agreement.
The MNR said it formally communicated its approval to Iraq’s Ministry of Oil and the participating oil companies. Now, the KRG awaits Baghdad’s formal response so that the State Oil Marketing Organization (SOMO) can begin exporting Kurdistan oil “as soon as possible” and implement all agreement provisions.
Prime Minister Masrour Barzani chaired a meeting of the Kurdistan Regional Council of Ministers in Erbil to discuss the export framework. The agreement is designed to ensure Kurdistan oil exports comply with Iraq’s federal budget law and binding cabinet decisions from both governments.
Oil exports from the Kurdistan Region have been suspended since March 2023 following a Paris arbitration ruling in favor of Baghdad. The ruling gave Baghdad control over crude flows through the Ceyhan pipeline in Turkey. The halt has cost both sides billions in revenue and strained Kurdistan’s finances, delaying public sector salary payments.
Disagreements over technical, legal, and political issues have repeatedly stalled export resumption. Baghdad insists on centralized control via SOMO, while Erbil seeks guarantees for budget transfers and respect for constitutional federal rights. International partners, including the United States and European Union, urge both sides to reach a sustainable compromise to protect Iraq’s economic stability.
KRG officials insist they have fully complied, but Baghdad’s delays and financial pressure undermine federal principles. The KRG emphasizes cooperation on oil exports and revenue sharing while warning that political disputes should not punish the people of Kurdistan.