Iraq restarts strategic crude transport pipeline

14 June 2018
Kirkuk to Baghdad pipeline had been damaged by Islamic State militants

Iraq’s Oil Ministry has announced the restarting of a strategic pipeline transporting crude oil from Kirkuk in the north to capital Baghdad, which was damaged by Islamic State militants.

The 16 inches-thick pipeline originates in Kirkuk and passes through Baiji on its way to Baghdad, covering a distance of 180 kilometres.

The pipeline was among several acts of sabotage perpetrated by Islamic State terrorists on Iraq’s key energy assets in their bid to cripple Baghdad economically, during the conflict that began in 2014.

The repaired pipeline has a capacity of 40,000 barrels a day, and will feed Kirkuk oil to refineries in Baiji and Daura, before supplying crude to the Quds power station in Baghdad, according to the ministry’s statement.

The reconstruction work was completed in “record time”, the statement said without adding when the asset was wrecked or when the repair work began.

The rehabilitation effort included removing of thousands of land mines, shells and war debris  around the pipeline.

The pipeline is of economic importance to Baghdad as it helps convey crude to refineries and power stations through a fixed asset, instead of the cost-intensive usage of surface transport.

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