It is expected to complete the reform process within 24 hours to replace the damaged section followed by a pumping test, as the pipeline transfers Kirkuk crude of high sulfur density to the Turkish port of Ceyhan on the Mediterranean Sea.

An official of Iraq's North Oil government Company told “Reuters” briefed by “Shafaq News” that “the eroded part cracked the pipeline,” noting that “our staff is working to replace this part and resume pumping within 24 hours”.

Iraq's exports fell to 2.484 million barrels per day (bpd) in May from 2.62 million bpd in April due to a slowdown in shipments of Kirkuk after repeated attacks on the pipeline and maintenance work in the south.

Flow of crude oil from Iraq to Turkey through Kirkuk - Ceyhan pipeline had stopped in May because of repeated attacks.