Trend: No Political Obstacles for Turkey-KRG Gas Pipeline

The political disagreements are not obstacle for construction of gas pipeline between Turkey and the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) in northern Iraq, Director of Hydrocarbons, France, Mediterranean Energy Observatory (OME), Sohbet Karbuz believes.

“I don’t think that disagreements between Turkey and Iraq central government, or between KRG and Baghdad is a real obstacle to the construction of the gas pipeline, and later export of KRG gas to Turkey,” Karbuz told Trend.

He reminded that under a similar situation, an oil pipeline was constructed from KRG to Turkey, and KRG oil was sold to foreign markets through shipment of oil from KRG to Ceyhan port in Turkey.

“Why would it be a problem now? And more importantly, does KRG and Turkey really care?” Karbuz said.

A tender will be held Feb. 9, 2016 in Ankara for constructing a new gas pipeline between Turkey and the KRG. Both local and foreign companies are allowed to participate in the tender. The tender’s winner will build new gas pipeline in 720 days. The pipeline’s length will be 181.5 kilometers. MORE