Baghdad-INA
The Ministry of Oil confirmed on Tuesday that the project to extend an oil export pipeline via the port of Banias is still under study, explaining that Iraq is exploring alternative routes to its existing seaports.
Ministry spokesman Salim al-Rikabi told the Iraqi News Agency (INA): that "The project to extend an Iraqi oil export pipeline via the port of Banias in Syrian territory is still under study." He explained that "there is a project fundamentally linked to this one, which requires first extending the Basra-Haditha pipeline to transport crude oil to Haditha, after which planning will begin for an alternative pipeline to the Turkish pipeline."
He added that "the project's feasibility study will be conducted, and once the pipeline is completed, it will replace the tankers currently transporting oil through Syrian territory."
He pointed out that "the project will provide flexibility if implemented, as Iraq is studying alternative routes to the existing seaports and the Turkish port to provide greater flexibility in export operations, as happened when the Strait of Hormuz was closed. Iraq faced restrictions on its exports then, and if there had been alternative routes, there would have been greater flexibility for export purposes."
Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein visited Damascus yesterday, Monday, and confirmed that he discussed with Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa the project to extend an Iraqi oil pipeline, sponsored by a foreign company, through Syrian territory.