The oil sector in Iraq's Kurdish region takes a major hit, worsening tensions with Baghdad's central government.

Baghdad

Oil operations in Iraq's northern Kurdish region have come to a standstill following a series of drone and missile strikes that have further destabilized its energy sector. The attacks, reportedly involving Iranian-made drones launched by armed groups aligned with Iran, are seen as part of broader regional power struggles involving Iran, Russia, the US, and their allies. 

The disruption comes amid ongoing disputes between Erbil and Baghdad over oil exports and budget allocations, with Iraq losing significant oil revenue in recent years. The resulting financial strain has led to delayed salary payments and increased hardship for government employees in the Kurdish region. A recent agreement to resume oil transfers to Baghdad has been delayed due to the attacks, leaving the region unable to meet export commitments and exacerbating economic difficulties for its population.

Drone strikes halt oil operations in Iraq's Kurdish region

Operations have stopped at oil installations across Iraq's northern semi-autonomous Kurdish region. A wave of recent drone and missile strikes have disabled its already struggling energy sector. The attacks come at a time of worsening relations between Erbil and Baghdad, triggered by oil exports and budget disagreements. Security experts say the attacks on the oil facilities are linked to regional tensions. Mainly Iranian-made drones were launched from the areas controlled by its aligned armed groups. The attacks are part of a complex international and regional struggle involving major powers, such as Iran and Russia on the one hand against the US and its allies over control of energy resources and transit routes. In 2023, neighbouring Turkey closed a pipeline which passes through the Kurdish region to its port of Jehan on the Mediterranean. That decision followed a ruling by the International Chamber of Commerce that said Ankara was allowing oil exports from the Kurdish region to pass through its port on the Mediterranean without Baghdad's consent. For more than two years, Iraq has lost nearly $25 billion in potential oil revenue. That has led the central government in Baghdad to cut financial transfers to the semi-autonomous Kurdish region, delaying salary payments for government employees. And recent drone attacks have worsened tensions between Baghdad and Erbil, deepening an already precarious political landscape. Exhausted government employees here have been queuing outside ATM machines. Their faces, etched with fatigue and frustration, reflect months of unpaid wages. Many employees have sold their cars and homes. Some borrow money just to buy milk for their children. The situation is extremely difficult for those with young children. In mid-July, Baghdad and Erbil finalised an agreement to resume oil transfers. The deal sets a minimum delivery of 230,000 barrels a day to Baghdad's state oil firm. But this transfer has been delayed. Following the recent attacks, the Kurdish region is unable to deliver 230,000 barrels a day, as outlined in the agreement, because current production stands at approximately 81,000 barrels, which is only sufficient for domestic consumption within the Kurdish region. The recent attacks on the oil facilities here have not only stopped oil production, but also pushed an already vulnerable economy to the brink, leaving the Kurdish people to face further financial hardships.

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Breakdown