Has oil flow to Ceyhan been cut? Tensions hit energy pipelines
According to claims in the international press, shipments of Kirkuk crude oil from the Kurdistan Regional Government in Iraq to the Ceyhan terminal in Turkey have been halted. It is suggested that the decision was made following rising tensions in the Middle East and threats against energy infrastructure.
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A new development has emerged regarding how security risks in the region are directly affecting energy supply. The British news agency Reuters claimed that loadings of Kirkuk crude oil, which is transported from the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) to the Ceyhan terminal in Turkey, have been halted as of today.
The report, which cites information from shipping sources, stated that increasing security threats were a factor in the decision to suspend shipments.
EMPHASIS ON THREATS TO ENERGY PIPELINES
It was reported that this development came following statements by Brigadier General Ebrahim Jabbari, an advisor to the Commander-in-Chief of the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps. Jabbari announced that the Strait of Hormuz had been closed to traffic and that any potential violations would be met with intervention.
Jabbari also drew attention to threats against energy infrastructure, stating that not only maritime transport but also oil pipelines in the region could be targeted.
OIL PRICES AT 1.5-YEAR HIGH
Escalating tensions in the Middle East and concerns over supply disruptions have also been reflected in oil markets. The price of a barrel of Brent crude has exceeded 85 dollars, reaching its highest level in 1.5 years.
It was noted that Brent crude, which was at the 73-dollar level at the close on February 27, before Israel and the US launched an attack on Iran on February 28, has risen sharply due to the impact of geopolitical risks.