The office of Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani announced on Sunday that Iraq has increased its refining capacity to 1.3 million barrels per day, marking what it described as a “strategic milestone” that will cover the country’s full domestic demand for petroleum products.
According to the statement, this achievement places Iraq among the leading Arab countries in refining capacity. The government has also set a target of reaching 1.65 million barrels per day by March 30, 2025, as previously outlined by Al-Sudani.
The Prime Minister’s office highlighted that the expansion will significantly reduce the need for imports, saving billions of dollars annually in hard currency, strengthening the trade balance, and opening opportunities for future exports of surplus refined products. It will also create new jobs in the energy sector, improve fuel quality to meet international standards, and reduce carbon emissions.
The statement further noted that the Ministry of Oil is preparing to begin exporting gas oil and jet fuel after achieving self-sufficiency in both products. This development reflects the government’s strategy to diversify revenue sources, enhance sustainable economic growth, and ensure price stability for petroleum products in the local market.
