SULAIMANI, Kurdistan Region – The Association of Petroleum International Kurdistan (APIKUR) has denied any involvement of its eight member companies in oil smuggling activities in the Kurdistan Region.
When asked by Zoom News in an exclusive interview, APIKUR spokesperson Myles Caggins rejected the claim that the association or its member companies were involved in smuggling oil to neighboring Iran.
He emphasized that APIKUR members comply with sanctions and will continue to do so. “I represent APIKUR and our eight member companies that we comply with sanctions rules and we will continue to comply with any sanctions rules,” Caggins said.
This denial follows a recent Reuters report indicating that over 1,000 tankers transport at least 200,000 barrels of discounted oil daily to Iran and, to a lesser extent, Turkey, generating approximately $200 million monthly.
Regarding efforts to resume Kurdistan oil exports, Caggins mentioned that recent discussions between the Kurdistan Regional Government and international oil companies mark progress, but more work is needed to finalize new agreements.
“APIKUR and our member companies welcome these discussions and we hope to have a resolution because the oil exporting is going to be important for Kurdistan Region and all of the people of Iraq.”
He added that APIKUR companies are currently relying on local refineries, producing oil for local sales. The decision to export oil abroad lies with the central government in Baghdad.
Caggins noted that APIKUR believes the quickest way to restore exports is for SOMO to agree to sell oil at the Turkish port of Ceyhan, the pipeline’s endpoint.
Regarding new contracts, Caggins stressed the need for clarity on payment for past and future sales, insisting that payments should go directly to the companies. “We want our payments to be excluded from political processes.”
Caggins highlighted significant losses since March 25, 2023 when the exports were halted following an international arbitration court ruling, estimating about $19 billion lost to Iraq’s people, government, and international oil companies—around $1 billion per month.
“International price per barrel is almost $85 per barrel and when the oil is sold locally, like we are selling it now, the price is about $35 per barrel. So you can see how much revenue is lost.”
Caggins revealed that Turkey is prepared to resume oil exports through the pipeline, which remains in good condition. He urged Baghdad to reach a swift solution to restore pipeline exports.
