A worker controlling pipeline valves at the Bai Hassan oil field, west of Kirkuk, Iraq. Photo: AFP
Baghdad (IraqiNews.com) – Iraqi Oil Minister Basim Khudair announced on Thursday plans to increase oil production from the Kirkuk oilfields.
The decision intends to capitalize on a recent agreement with Turkey for exporting oil to the port of Ceyhan.
This move also aims to circumvent the closure of the Strait of Hormuz and increase Iraq’s oil exports via ports on the Mediterranean.
The instruction utilizes the recently expanded Kirkuk-Ceyhan pipeline deal, with the goal of increasing exports from 180,000 barrels per day to approximately 750,000 barrels per day.
Khudair stated that increasing production lays the groundwork for boosting export volumes through Turkey to 1.5 million barrels per day.
Turkish Petroleum Corporation (TPAO) has officially partnered with British Petroleum (BP) to bolster cooperation in oil and natural gas projects in Kirkuk oilfields.
In 2025, BP reached a deal with Iraq’s North Oil Company (NOC) to develop oil fields in the northern Iraqi province of Kirkuk, with investments projected to reach $25 billion.
The step is part of the Iraqi government’s attempts to optimize energy sector investments, increase oil output, and minimize gas flaring.
The enhanced output directly addresses the Iraqi government’s growing deficit as a result of continued maritime restrictions in the Strait of Hormuz.
By producing more petroleum from Kirkuk, Baghdad reduces internal shipping expenses from southern fields while increasing supplies to global markets via outlets on the Mediterranean.