Iraq Towards the Mediterranean: A New Strategy to Rebuild the Kirkuk-Baniyas Pipeline

In a move that reflects Baghdad's desire to diversify its export ports and reduce reliance on traditional routes, Iraqi Oil Minister Hayyan Abdul Ghani has revealed a strategic direction to rebuild an integrated pipeline linking Iraqi fields to the Syrian Mediterranean port of Baniyas.

From restoration to comprehensive foundation

Minister Abdel Ghani confirmed in special statements to "Al-Sharq Bloomberg" that the technical studies and preliminary assessments conducted in cooperation with the Syrian side, concluded that the best option and economic feasibility lies in the reconstruction of a new integrated line, instead of sufficing with restoring the old and dilapidated pipeline.

According to the Iraqi minister, this trend comes after years of the suspension of the line and its impact on the technical obsolescence and previous security conditions.

"Basra-Haditha": The Project's Feeder Artery

The Oil Minister explained that Iraq has already started implementing the first phase of this comprehensive vision, which is represented in the "Basra-Haditha pipeline" project. This pipeline is the cornerstone of the new system, as it has a capacity of 2.25 million barrels per day, and

It aims to transport southern oil to the main pumping stations in Haditha, and provides high flexibility to direct exports either north towards the Turkish port of Ceyhan, or west towards the Syrian port of Baniyas and Lebanon's Tripoli.

Regional integration to address energy crises

The dimensions of this project are not limited to the Iraqi side, but also extend to form a lifeline for the Syrian energy sector. According to the preliminary agreements and joint committees formed last August, the project aims to:

 Securing crude oil for Syrian refineries: which helps to fill the electricity deficit suffered by the Syrian side by up to 80%.

 Resumption of exports across the Mediterranean: This gives Iraq a vital outlet to European markets away from the Strait of Hormuz or geopolitical pressures in other routes.