By John Lee.
Iraq is reportedly considering using security forces to prevent Kurdistan from blocking oil output from Kirkuk.
A spokesman for the North Oil Company (NOC) told Reuters that Kurdish officials indicated that they would shut down production at the Kirkuk oilfield, ostensibly for security reasons, but as a means of putting pressure on Baghdad.
Kirkuk produces around 200,000 barrels per day, out of total Kurdish production of over 600,000 bpd.
(Source: Reuters)