Iraq’s Ministry of Oil is advancing the technical and economic preparations for the proposed Basra-Haditha-Kirkuk-Baniyas oil pipeline, as the country seeks to strengthen its crude oil transportation infrastructure and diversify export routes, according to the Iraqi News Agency (INA).

Nasir Aziz, Deputy Minister of Oil for Extraction Affairs, chaired a technical meeting with representatives of an international investment consortium, alongside officials from the ministry’s relevant companies and departments.

The consortium includes Chevron, Qatar, TI Capital, and UCC, according to a statement issued by the Deputy Minister’s office and reported by INA.

The meeting reviewed the project’s technical and economic details, implementation requirements, and development stages. Discussions also covered potential mechanisms for advancing the project and the preparation of a clear roadmap based on appropriate technical and economic assessments.

Aziz highlighted the strategic importance of the Basra-Haditha-Kirkuk-Baniyas pipeline, noting its potential to increase flexibility in Iraq’s crude oil transportation and export system, diversify export outlets, and support the security and sustainability of the country’s oil exports.

The meeting follows directives from Iraq’s Prime Minister and Minister of Oil to complete the project’s technical and economic requirements and advance the necessary procedures for implementation in line with the strategic objectives of the oil sector.

The proposed pipeline forms part of Iraq’s plans to develop its crude oil transportation network and diversify export routes and outlets. The project is expected to support greater flexibility in moving Iraqi crude and strengthen the country’s export infrastructure.

The latest discussions focus on completing the technical and economic framework required to determine the appropriate implementation approach for the project.

The proposed project builds on Iraq’s historical pipeline links to Syria and Turkey, including the Kirkuk-Baniyas pipeline and the Kirkuk-Ceyhan system, while seeking to establish a larger integrated corridor connecting the country’s southern oil fields with northern and western export routes.