Most Mediterranean and Urals crude markets have strengthened this week, boosted by the absence of Iraq’s Kirkuk from the prompt spot market, prompting end-users to seek replacement barrels. Flows from northern Iraq — where Kirkuk is produced — to tanks operated by Iraq’s State Organization for Marketing of Oil in Ceyhan, Turkey, were halted early last month amid ongoing disagreement over oil and gas payments between the Kurdistan Regional Government and central government in Baghdad. Loading delays at Ceyhan have risen above 20 days, sources said. “The situation is a total disaster,” a crude trader said. “There has been no news from SOMO, and vessels have been waiting for nearly a month on demurrage. People should be nominating vessels for the July program.” Article continues below… The Platts Global Energy Awards is a competitive awards program honoring excellence and accomplishments in the global energy industry. The 17th annual awards […]