After regaining control of Kirkuk, Baghdad is looking for new outlets for northern oil production while reducing its reliance on the KRG.
Exports from all of Iraq were just over 3.8 million bpd, a slight decrease from September, but sales from the Basra Gulf grew.
Days after the federal North Oil Company restarted exports through the KRG-controlled pipeline, the Oil Ministry ordered a stop.
Federal authorities are sending crude through the Kurdistan export pipeline and into Turkish port storage under KRG control - a sign of rare cooperation at a time of explosive political friction.
Federal forces are massing for a potential operation to take Feyshkabour, which would effectively end Kurdistan's independent pipeline exports.
Basra Gulf terminals increase loading capabilities ahead of plans to boost exports.
Federal forces scramble to reinforce dramatic gains in Iraq's disputed territories, as the KRG fortifies a key oil asset in anticipation of another potential confrontation.
Nationwide oil production continued its month-on-month increase in September, and the Oil Ministry has plans for that to continue.
The KRG fears federal Iraqi forces are plotting a "major attack" days after tensions combusted into two, hour-long firefights near the disputed Bai Hassan oil field.
Massive political challenges and financial constraints cast uncertainty on the Oil Ministry's announcement that it will rehabilitate its decimated pipeline to Turkey.
