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Oil shipments from Iraq to Turkey disrupted

CEYHAN, Turkey, Aug. 22 (UPI) -- A port agent in Turkey said crude oil exports through a pipeline from northern Iraq were disrupted, possibly by an act of sabotage.

The agent said several ships were docked at the Turkish port of Ceyhan awaiting crude oil shipments from Iraq. Most won't be filled because of problems with the Kirkuk-Ceyhan oil pipeline from northern Iraq.

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"There are rumors that the pipeline has been sabotaged again," the agent told the Platts news service Wednesday on condition of anonymity. "However, it remains unconfirmed at the moment."

The pipeline can carry about 300,000 barrels of oil per day when in full service. The pipeline, however, has been the target of frequent insurgent attacks and frequent repairs are necessary to get the route open again.

The Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries said in its August market report oil exports from Kirkuk fell to less than 200,000 bpd in June for the first time in at least five years. The cartel said it was more difficult to secure Iraqi crude oil from northern Iraq because of acts of sabotage and "technical issues."

Iraq produced approximately 2.8 million bpd last month, a 1.7 percent decline from June.

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