Eco
Iraq's Ministry of Oil confirmed that the pipeline project extending to Jordan's Aqaba port remains under technical and economic study. The Ministry stressed that sea outlets are the primary basis for oil export operations. Salim Al-Rikabi, the official spokesperson for the Ministry, stated that the project's cost or export capacity has not yet been determined. Al-Rikabi attributed the delay to technical impediments, including Aqaba port's insufficient storage areas, limited maritime frontage, and intensive local use. He emphasized that sea outlets will remain foundational, with the Ministry's plans aiming to diversify supporting outlets and sustain operations via the northern outlet at Turkey's Ceyhan port, with rates between 150,000 and 180,000 barrels per day. He also noted serious efforts to develop exports through Syria's Baniyas port on the Mediterranean Sea.
