Iraq resumed oil exports from the Kurdistan region at 6 a.m. local time on Saturday, September 27th, 2025, following a two-year suspension. Operations began with significant volume and fluidity, according to Iraq's oil ministry. The resumption signifies a major development after a prolonged shutdown that had impacted global oil markets. The ministry stated that the export operations proceeded "at a high pace and with complete fluidity, without any notable technical problems." Prior to this official resumption, oil from the region had reportedly continued to reach the market through illicit channels. Sources indicate that the oil was being smuggled via tanker trucks to Iran and, to a lesser extent, Turkey, where it was blended and sold on the grey market during the pipeline's closure.
