Iraq Approves Two Refinery Expansion Projects; Add 140,000 bpd Capacity

Iraq has approved projects to expand the refineries in Diwaniyah and Maysan governorates by around 140,000 barrels per day (bpd) within a strategy to maximize output, cut imports and meet growing domestic demand, the oil ministry has said.

The plan includes an integrated project to develop the Diwaniyah refinery by establishing a specialized refining unit with a capacity of up to 70,000 bpd, along with attaching it to modern and advanced units for hydrogenation and improving the quality of gasoline, the ministry’s spokesman Salim Al Rukabi said.

Another project involves the expansion of the Maysan refinery, which also includes adding a new refining unit with a capacity of 70,000 bpd in addition to implementing similar development programs aimed at modernizing and raising the efficiency of the rest of the existing national refineries, he said.

“These projects aim to maximize refining capacities, improve the levels and quality of oil products offered in the markets, and enhance the operational ability of the Ministry to meet the growing needs of the local market with high efficiency that ensures the stability of the energy sector in the country,” he said.