ERBIL, Iraq, March 16 (UPI) -- The semiautonomous Kurdistan Regional Government in Iraq called on the Iraqi government to investigate what it says is a discrepancy in oil exports.
The KRG says three fields in its territory have produced, on average, 95,000 barrels of oil per day. The government in Erbil, however, says Baghdad is claiming 65,000 bpd is exported from the Kurdish region.
"The KRG believes that this discrepancy should be investigated immediately in case somebody is creaming off the difference between the oil received and the oil sold," the government said in a statement.
Baghdad, the KRG states, has complained that it is losing out on oil revenue. Erbil claims Baghdad isn't honoring financial commitments to the Kurdish government.
The government said Baghdad hasn't made a payment since May 2011 and owes Erbil about $1 billion.
The KRG said the region could increase its exports to around 250,000 bpd but only if Baghdad honors its payment agreements.
"Otherwise, even the 90,000-100,000 barrels per day currently being exported will decline and eventually cease," it warned.
The International Energy Agency said it was reviewing Iraq's energy sector as part of a publication expected later this year. The IEA warned political disputes in the country could handicap oil expectations.
