AM:10:59:05/06/2025
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The Iraqi Oil Ministry issued a statement on Thursday urging the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) to immediately resume oil deliveries in accordance with the Iraqi constitution, Federal Court rulings, and the general budget law.
The ministry emphasized that the general budget law obligates the KRG to hand over oil produced in the region to the federal Oil Ministry, with revenues to be transferred to the public treasury.
Despite official letters and the dispatch of government delegations to the region, no practical steps have been taken by the KRG, the statement said.
The ministry warned that the continued failure to comply has exacerbated Iraq’s financial crisis and damaged the country's international oil relations, citing this as a cause of significant harm to Iraq’s OPEC share and the national treasury.
Furthermore, the statement revealed that the ministry possesses detailed information on alleged oil smuggling operations from the Kurdistan Region and holds the regional government accountable.
It noted that repeated efforts to resume exports have collapsed at final stages, blaming internal obstacles created by both the PUK and KDP, accusing them of protecting smuggling interests.
The statement concluded by confirming that investigations are ongoing into suspected continued smuggling of oil to destinations outside Iraq.