KRG Halts Oil Exports to Iran as PUK Loses Millions, KDP Profits via Turkey Route
KRG oil exports to Iran have come to a complete halt due to the ongoing Israeli (and now American) attacks on Iran, but KRG oil production remains steady at 300,000 barrels per day. A large portion of this output is now being redirected to Turkey.
The PUK is the biggest loser from this disruption. According to MP Ali Hama Saleh, the PUK was earning an estimated $40–50 million per month through three main channels:
- Transit fees of $500 per tanker crossing PUK territory
- Border fees of $1,400 per tanker at the Iranian crossing, labeled as "manifest" charges
- Subsidized crude oil supply to the PUK's Qaiwan Refinery—15,000 barrels daily at roughly $30 per barrel from the KRG, with refined products sold through Iran
The KDP, by contrast, continues to benefit substantially. The Turkish export route remains operational, with three major companies receiving crude oil at approximately $30 per barrel: KAR Group (close to Barzani family), the Lanaz refinery (owned by Mansour Barzani), and Business Unicorn (owned by Masrour Barzani), which receives the largest allocation.
An individual named Ramazan manages the Turkish export operations.
According to the same MP, the total profit from this trade for the three companies is estimated at around $200 million.
As of today, local market prices for oil from key fields are:
- Khurmala: $230 per ton
- Tawke: $224 per ton
- Shaikan: $200 per ton