Oil supplies from Iraq to Turkey halt after Kurku-Ceyhan pipeline blast

A major bomb attack by unknown militants on the Kurku-Ceyhan pipeline has lead to the discontinuation of pumping of oil from Iraq to Turkey.

According to the Al Sumaria television channel, the explosion occurred in the Fatha-Biji pipeline section, located 45km north of Salah al-Din province and oil pumping is expected to recommence within 48 hours.

The causes of the explosion are yet to be found along with the estimation of the extent of damage inflicted.

Damage occurred to the pipeline due to the setting off of an improvised explosive device, based on preliminary conclusions that were drawn by the commission.

North Oil Company official said that the militants bombed the pipeline section transporting crude oil from the Salaheddin province to the Mediterranean port of Ceyhan in Turkey.

The official added that the fire was extinguished and repairs began.

Ceyhan oil storage facilities currently offer a million barrels of oil available and the explosion is not expected to affect the scope of export in any way.

The pipeline transports a portion of Iraq’s oil exports to markets internationally.

The Iraqi Government plans to increase oil sales in the future to fund the reconstruction of its battered infrastructure.

Kirkuk-Ceyhan oil pipeline is 600-mile long and comprises two pipes with diameters of 46in and 40in, with a designed capacity of 1,100 thousand and 500 thousand barrels per day respectively.

Usable capacity of the line is believed to be only 300 thousand barrels per day, with significant repairs still required.