The government of Iraqi Kurdistan has paid international oil companies for the first time in seven weeks, as rising crude prices give a much-needed boost to the region’s coffers. DNO ASA, Genel Energy Plc and Gulf Keystone Petroleum Ltd received a combined $53.9 million for oil sold in October, the companies said on Monday. The Kurdistan Regional Government paid for their September exports on Dec. 5 and still owes them for crude sold in November and December. Shares of the companies rose. The KRG has struggled to keep up regular payments to international contractors as it contends with low crude prices, a dispute over revenues with the federal government in Baghdad, large numbers of internal refugees, and a long war with Islamic State militants. Oil has risen almost 20 percent since OPEC and other producers agreed last month to curb supply , easing the financial strain on the region. […]