Erbil–Baghdad Reach Agreement to Resume Oil Exports

ARK News.. The Kurdistan Regional Government’s negotiating delegation announced on Tuesday that Erbil and Baghdad have reached a comprehensive agreement to resume oil exports from the Region’s fields and those of Kirkuk via the Kurdistan–Ceyhan pipeline in Turkey, starting Wednesday, March 18, 2026.

Statement by the KRG Negotiating Delegation

On March 17, 2026, a joint meeting was held between the federal government of Iraq and the Kurdistan Regional Government to discuss oil exports from Kirkuk fields and the resumption of Kurdistan Region oil exports through the pipeline to the Turkish port of Ceyhan.

At the outset of the meeting, the KRG delegation reaffirmed—within the framework of constitutional partnership and national responsibility—its full readiness to take all necessary measures to boost public revenues and address the financial crisis, particularly in light of the sensitive regional conditions, with the aim of securing salaries, livelihoods, and public services.

The Kurdistan Regional Government agreed to export oil from Kirkuk fields in parallel with oil from the Region’s fields through the Kurdistan–Ceyhan pipeline.

To this end, both sides agreed to form a joint committee from the federal Ministry of Oil and the KRG Ministry of Natural Resources to initiate the required technical and administrative steps, paving the way for exports to global markets via the pipeline starting the following day. Oil revenues will be returned to the federal treasury.

The two parties also agreed to take the necessary security measures to protect oil fields and ensure the continuity of export operations.

The Kurdistan Regional Government reiterated its commitment to fully cooperate and support efforts aimed at addressing Iraq’s financial challenges, ensuring sufficient revenues for public spending, salaries, and essential services.

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