Erbil: The region’s Minister of Natural Resources, Kamal Mohammed, has announced that the Kurdistan Regional Government will adhere to any decision made by Prime Minister Ali Faleh al-Zaidi concerning the oil file.

According to National Iraqi News Agency, Minister Mohammed stated that a meeting was held on November 26 and 27 with the Oil and Gas Committee of the Council of Representatives and the Ministry of Oil. The recommendations from this meeting are awaited by the Prime Minister, and the ministry will comply with whatever decision he makes.

Oil production in the Kurdistan Region has resumed, and companies have returned to work, with all oil fields operational except the Sarsang field, which remains inactive due to damage from drone strikes. Current oil production is between 220,000 and 230,000 barrels per day, with a portion allocated for domestic use.

Minister Mohammed mentioned that the gasoline shortage issue has been mostly resolved, but emphasized that the federal government must provide the Kurdistan Region’s share to fully address the problem. He highlighted the cost discrepancies in refining oil, with the federal government’s cost at 5,900 dinars (approximately $4) per barrel, compared to $16 for the Kurdistan Regional Government. This discrepancy affects gasoline prices, which could be reduced to 450 dinars per liter if the federal cost is applied.

He further emphasized the need to increase the region’s refining capacity, which currently stands at 50,000 barrels per day, far below the local demand of 140,000 barrels per day.