Iraq’s Deputy Prime Minister and Oil Minister Hayan Abdul Ghani announced Monday that the Kirkuk-Türkiye crude oil pipeline could be reactivated within a week, utilizing a renovated route that entirely bypasses the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) territory.

The move comes as Baghdad scrambles for alternative export routes following the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, which has paralyzed Iraq’s southern terminals and forced a massive reduction in national output.

According to Abdul Ghani, the northern pipeline—designed to carry between 200,000 and 250,000 barrels per day—is undergoing final maintenance. 

A critical 100-kilometer hydrostatic test is expected to conclude within days, allowing Kirkuk’s crude to flow directly to the Turkish port of Ceyhan without KRG involvement.

"Oil from the Kirkuk fields can be sent directly to the line and to Türkiye without passing through KRG territory," Abdul Ghani stated.

The regional conflict and the maritime blockade at the Strait of Hormuz have forced Iraq to slash its production from an OPEC-allotted 4.4 million barrels per day to just 1.5 million. 

Previously, Iraq exported roughly 3.4 million barrels daily through the Basra Oil Terminal.

Current production is now limited to supplying domestic refineries and power plants, which Abdul Ghani says are operating at maximum capacity to ensure emergency stockpiles of gasoline and diesel.

The KRG Ministry of Natural Resources issued a sharp rebuttal, accusing Baghdad of "distorting facts." 

In a statement, the KRG claimed its own production has completely halted due to attacks by "illegal militias" and a "suffocating embargo" imposed by the central government.

While Baghdad claims the KRG blocked previous attempts to restart northern exports, the KRG maintains it is ready for dialogue but remains under extreme economic and military pressure.

Beyond the Turkish route, Iraq is also exploring export tenders through Banias in Syria and Aqaba in Jordan to stabilize its economy amid the ongoing Gulf crisis.