Al-samawah: Prime Minister Mohammed Shia’ al-Sudani inaugurated the Al-Samawah depot for petroleum products and derivatives, which boasts a storage capacity of 75,000 cubic meters. This significant event took place during his visit to Muthanna Governorate.

According to National Iraqi News Agency, a statement from the Prime Minister’s office highlighted that this project is one of the oldest stalled endeavors inherited from previous governments. Al-Sudani emphasized that resolving such stalled projects has been a governmental priority, due to their negative impacts on service, development, and economic aspects.

The Prime Minister explained that the new infrastructure enhances Muthanna Governorate’s capacity to securely provide petroleum derivatives. It supports the uninterrupted operation of the Samawah refinery, which has a production capacity of 30,000 barrels per day, and contributes substantially to the transportation and distribution of petroleum products.

Al-Sudani reiterated the government’s commitment to advancing production, refining, and infrastructure development related to the oil sector, including pipeline networks, storage tanks, and warehouses. Many of these projects are either completed or under construction across various governorates.

He further noted that the oil sector in Muthanna is poised to establish an independent company to manage oil activities in the region. The government’s plan includes increasing the Samawah refinery’s capacity by approximately 70,000 barrels per day, thereby boosting refining capabilities across all governorates. The project is expected to positively influence Muthanna’s economic activities, leveraging its natural resources and investment opportunities.

The depot features 19 tanks of varying types and capacities for petroleum products, along with weighbridges and loading areas. It is set to support local industries, including cement, food, chemical, and asphalt factories, while reducing tanker-based transportation of petroleum products. This will help preserve the road network and minimize accidents, ensuring a steady supply of petroleum products.