Iraq oil makes it to Jordan refinery

ZARQA, Jordan, Oct. 1 (UPI) -- The first batch of discounted Iraqi oil in four years has overcome the security impasse and reached a Jordanian refinery.

A spokesman for Jordan’s Energy Ministry, Maher al-Shawabkeh, told the Jordan News Agency eight tanker trucks with 10,000 barrels of oil have been unloaded at the Zarqa Oil Refinery.

The oil from the Kirkuk oil fields was supposed to be $18 less than market price, according to a deal signed a year ago. Earlier this month Iraq knocked another $4 off the price.

The deal was to provide at least 10 percent and then growing to 30 percent of Jordan’s estimated 100,000 barrels per day needs. Officials from both sides allude to eventually supplying all 100,000 barrels.

But the security on the road from Kirkuk to the Jordanian border, where Jordan is to take possession of the oil and thus security of it, has been too dangerous to transport.

Over the past week officials in Iraq have assured Amman the oil is on its way and the first shipment has arrived.