On December 31, 2023, Ahmed Haj Rashid, a former deputy in the Finance Committee, stated that the financial crisis in the Kurdistan region is not due to economic scarcity but rather due to the regional government’s actions.
Rashid stated that the ruling parties in the region sell oil for domestic use and smuggle it via trucks to Turkey, according to Baghdad Today.
“He said, ‘The Kurdistan Regional Government does not seem interested in resolving the current economic crisis. They seem to prioritize continuing their corrupt practices and embezzlements. However, if they were willing to give the proceeds to the federal government, then the latter could be held responsible for disbursing employee salaries through MasterCard, every month, and from Baghdad.'”
Rashid pointed out that the Kurdistan region will face another tough financial year if the regional government doesn’t agree with Baghdad to resolve the Kurdistan’s budget share crisis.
There are accusations from the opposition parties against the Erbil regional government that they are smuggling 200,000 barrels per day to Turkey through tankers. However, this information may not be consistent with the current production rate in Kurdistan, which is only approximately 250,000 barrels per day, as per the data provided by the “Apicor Group,” which includes operating companies. Moreover, in Kurdistan, information indicates that Baghdad receives 100,000 barrels per day, and the rest goes to refineries for internal consumption.
