Iraq Oil Ministry: Buyers Responsible for Shipment

The Iraq Oil Ministry announced that oil exports will continue, but the shipment is the responsibility of the buyers. According to the Iraqi news agency INA, the spokesperson for the Iraqi Oil Ministry, Selim el-Rukabi, stated that crude oil sales will continue, but the shipment and transportation of oil are the sole responsibility of the buyer. Rukabi emphasized that after the oil leaves Iraqi ports, the ministry is no longer responsible for its shipment. He also mentioned that the oil companies under the Ministry of Oil do not have transportation vehicles. Rukabi explained that the responsibility for oil shipment and routes lies with the ministry or the seller until the oil reaches the ports, after which the responsibility shifts to the buyer, stating, 'Once the crude oil is loaded onto tankers at the ports, our responsibility ends, and it becomes the buyer's responsibility.'