ANKARA, Dec. 22 (Xinhua) -- Turkish Energy Ministry said Tuesday that shipment of crude oil would resume within a week from Kirkuk-Yumurtalik oil pipeline, the semi-official Anatolia news agency reported.

    An official from the ministry was quoted as saying that oil flow in Iraqi side of the pipeline was halted two days ago after an act of sabotage.

    "Iraqi executives said the damage could be fixed in 5 to 6 days," the official said.

    Iraqi Oil Ministry spokesman Assim Jihad said the sabotage at the 55th km of the pipeline caused damage and a large quantity of crude oil spilled outside.

    The Kirkuk-Yumurtalik oil pipeline connects the northern Iraqi city of Kirkuk to the Turkish Mediterranean port of Ceyhan, carrying the crude oil to Turkey.

    Turkey's Petroleum Pipeline Corporation BOTAS is responsible for operation, control, and maintenance of the pipeline within Turkey's borders.

    There are six pumping stations in the areas of Silopi, Idil, Midyat, Viransehir, Araban and Pazarcik within Turkish borders.