Iraq to raise its refining capacity to 850,000 b/d by the first quarter of 2022

According to Iraqi deputy oil minister Hamed al-Zobai, the country plans to raise its refining capacity from 640,000 b/d to 850,000 b/d by the first quarter of 2022. The main purpose behind Iraq’s push for an increased refining capacity is to reduce dependence on imports of gasoline and gas oil. Iraq’s reliance on imports of gasoline and gas oil is a consequence of the 2013-2017 war with the Islamic State, which caused damage to many of Iraq’s refineries. In order to boost refining capacity, Iraq plans to rehabilitate and develop the Baiji complex north of Baghdad, finance new refining projects in Karbala and Qayara, and introduce