Iraq is considering the construction of a strategic oil pipeline linking Basra to Kirkuk and extending to Turkey and Syria as part of a long-term plan to reduce its reliance on the Strait of Hormuz for crude exports.
Oil Minister Basim Mohammed Khudair said the proposed project is aimed at diversifying Iraq`s export routes and strengthening the country`s energy security.
Speaking to the Iraqi News Agency (INA) in Washington on Saturday, Khudair said the government has adopted a strategy to avoid depending on a single export corridor.
"The ministry has a clear vision and strategy based on diversifying Iraqi oil export routes and not relying solely on the Strait of Hormuz," he said.
Khudair said Iraq has signed a memorandum of understanding with a consortium comprising US energy company Chevron, TE Capital and Qatar-based UCC to conduct a feasibility study for the project.
Under the proposal, the pipeline would run from the southern city of Basra to Kirkuk before continuing to the Turkish Mediterranean port of Ceyhan.
Iraqi authorities are also studying the possibility of extending a branch of the pipeline to the Syrian coastal city of Baniyas.
Baniyas, home to one of Syria`s main oil refineries and a Mediterranean export terminal, previously served as the endpoint of a pipeline transporting Iraqi crude from Kirkuk.
That route has remained largely inactive for years because of conflict and international sanctions.
As OPEC`s second-largest oil producer, Iraq exports most of its crude through the Strait of Hormuz.
Officials believe the proposed pipeline would provide an alternative export route and make the country`s energy infrastructure more resilient.
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