Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia’ al-Sudani has directed a technical and legal delegation from the Oil Ministry to visit the Kurdistan Region, aimed at tackling concerns related to oil extraction, production costs, and exports.

Deputy Chairman of the Oil and Gas Committee of the Iraqi Parliament, Nehro Ruandzi, informed Kurdistan 24 that the delegation intends to engage with officials from the Kurdistan Region’s Ministry of Natural Resources and oil companies operating in the area. The primary agenda revolves around resolving disputes concerning the cost of oil production and discussing the export of oil from the region.

Ruandzi underscored allegations suggesting certain officials within the Iraqi cabinet and Oil Ministry are obstructing oil exports from the Kurdistan Region, a move believed to weaken the constitutional structure of the Kurdistan Region.

Highlighting the political nature of the stalled oil exports, Ruandzi called for international pressure on the Iraqi government to effectively address the issue.

Despite a previous agreement in April 2023 between the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) and the federal government to resume oil exports, exports have not yet recommenced. The KRG's Ministry of Natural Resources has expressed frustration, stating they have handed over more than 11 million barrels of oil to the federal government without receiving financial entitlements for oil-producing companies.

In response, Prime Minister Masrour Barzani, alongside his Iraqi counterpart Sudani, has initiated efforts to resume oil exports and resolve the ongoing dispute. The Ministry of Natural Resources has been tasked with addressing obstacles hindering the resumption of oil exports from the Kurdistan Region.