The Iraqi government has reportedly warned of a possible delay or problem in renewing contracts of crude oil to Korea.

Media reports say Baghdad views the oil development project as a challenge to its authority as the rights for the undertaking were given by the Kurdistan regional government.

Last month a consortium led by the Korea National Oil Corporation secured the rights to explore the Bazian oil field of Dahuk region. The group includes Korea's biggest oil refiner SK Energy and GS Holdings.

Korea's Energy Ministry is looking to work with the Foreign Ministry in seeking cooperation from the Iraqi government for the oil project.

According to the ministry Iraq accounted for 5.2 percent of Korea's total crude oil imports this year until November.

Arirang News