“Shadow” Oil: Expert Reveals Shocking Figures on Smuggling in the Region Through Türkiye
“Shadow” Oil: Expert Reveals Shocking Figures on Smuggling in the Region Through Türkiye
5-24-2025
Information/Exclusive:
Economic expert Hassan Al-Sheikh revealed shocking figures on Saturday regarding the volume of oil exports from the Kurdistan Region through unofficial channels, confirming that the region exports more than $3 billion annually via the black market, without the knowledge or oversight of the federal government.
In a statement to Al-Maalouma News Agency, Al-Sheikh said, “The financial dues the region owes Baghdad are nothing compared to the unofficial oil smuggled,” noting that “delivering a portion of those dues is sometimes used as a cover to deflect suspicion and allow smuggling to continue in secret.”
He explained that “the region’s agreement to Baghdad’s conditions is nothing more than a formality designed to buy time and guarantee future political representation,” noting that “the region’s pledges cannot be trusted, as the region has breached its obligations to the federal government.”
He stressed that “the region only delivers 20% of its official oil revenues to Baghdad, while 80% of these revenues go directly to the regional government,” explaining that “the officially announced percentage (450,000 barrels per day) represents only a small portion of the actual quantities, as smuggled oil exceeds one million barrels per day.”
The sheikh called on the federal government to “firmly and firmly root out smuggling,” emphasizing that true commitment lies when all of the region’s oil revenues are subject to Baghdad’s sole control, with their distribution subject to the central government to ensure a fair distribution of wealth to all Iraqis.
almaalomah.me
