Iraq seeks alternative oil routes bypassing Hormuz

Iraq is testing the feasibility of a new oil pipeline construction from Basra to Tukey’s Ceyhan port and Syria’s Baniyas port via Kirkuk. This new construction aims to reduce the reliance over Strait of Hormuz in the Persian Gulf. Iraqi Oil Minister disclosed the information.

In an interview with the Iraqi News Agency (INA) from Washington last Saturday, Khudair said the government has adopted a long-term strategy. The plan aims to diversify Iraq's oil export routes and eliminate sole dependency on the Strait of Hormuz.

Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) has been signed with an international consortium about the feasibility of the project. The consortium comprises US companies Chevron and TE Capital, and Qatar's UCC.

Baniyas houses one of Syria's main oil refineries and oil export terminals. Although crude oil was transported from Kirkuk via this route in the past, the pipeline is now inactive due to long-standing war and international sanctions.

Iraq, the second-largest oil producer in OPEC, has exported crude oil through the Strait of Hormuz for many years. However, Baghdad has intensified efforts to build alternative export routes amid US-Iran tensions and repeated shipping disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz.

-SA