Iraq Invites Oil Firms for Key Talks Amid Kurdistan Export Standoff

Iraq’s Ministry of Oil has invited foreign companies operating under the Association of the Petroleum Industry of Kurdistan (APIKUR) and firms contracted by the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) to a crucial meeting in Baghdad on March 4. The talks aim to resolve contract disputes and establish agreements aligned with global best practices while protecting Iraq’s national interests.

The Kurdistan Region’s Ministry of Natural Resources is also expected to participate as Baghdad and Erbil work toward streamlining oil operations. The meeting follows continued tensions over oil exports from Iraq’s semi-autonomous Kurdistan region, where eight international oil firms have refused to resume shipments through Turkey’s Ceyhan port.

Despite Iraq’s government announcing the imminent restart of exports, with an initial 185,000 barrels per day (bpd) to be marketed through state-run SOMO, APIKUR—representing 60% of Kurdistan’s oil production—stated that no formal agreements or payment guarantees have been provided. Without clarity on commercial terms, companies remain hesitant to resume exports.

The prolonged standoff has disrupted oil sales, impacting Iraq’s overall production and revenue. Industry experts emphasize that resolving these disputes is critical for stability in Iraq’s energy sector. As Baghdad and Erbil seek a long-term solution, all eyes are on the upcoming negotiations to determine whether exports will finally resume.