ANKARA — Türkiye expects crude oil exports from Iraq through the Iraq–Türkiye Pipeline to continue uninterrupted despite the expiration of the long-standing bilateral pipeline agreement, as Ankara and Baghdad work toward a new energy cooperation framework.
Negotiations are ongoing between the two countries to finalize a 12-month extension that would ensure the uninterrupted operation of the pipeline, which transports crude oil from northern Iraq to the Turkish Mediterranean port of Ceyhan. Although no extension agreement was signed during Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi’s recent visit to Ankara, officials from both sides have expressed confidence that a new arrangement will be concluded soon.
Türkiye’s Energy and Natural Resources Minister Alparslan Bayraktar said Ankara expects oil flows to continue and is seeking a broader agreement that would not only secure current exports but also expand the pipeline’s strategic role. Plans under discussion include extending the pipeline to Iraq’s southern oil hub of Basra, allowing crude from southern fields to reach global markets via Türkiye.
The Iraq–Türkiye Pipeline currently has a capacity of approximately 1.5 million barrels per day, although it is operating well below that level, carrying around 170,000 barrels per day. Turkish officials have repeatedly stated their goal of maximizing the pipeline’s utilization while strengthening regional energy connectivity.
The proposed expansion has gained additional strategic importance amid persistent geopolitical tensions affecting maritime energy routes. Iraqi oil exports are heavily dependent on the Strait of Hormuz, making an expanded overland route through Türkiye an attractive alternative for both countries and international energy markets.
The pipeline extension forms part of broader discussions between Ankara and Baghdad on energy cooperation, infrastructure, and regional trade, with both governments signaling their intention to deepen long-term strategic ties.
Source: Patronlar Dünyası/ Prepared by: İlayda Gök