Baghdad: Iraq’s Deputy Prime Minister for Energy Affairs and Minister of Oil, Hayan Abdul-Ghani, has announced that the country has reached self-sufficiency in petroleum derivatives and is strategically planning to fully exploit associated gas by 2029.

According to National Iraqi News Agency, during a dialogue session at the Iraq Oil Industry Workshop, Abdul-Ghani highlighted the significant progress made in the refining sector. He stated that the Ministry of Oil has substantially increased production rates, leading to self-sufficiency in petroleum derivatives and a notable reduction in gasoline imports, which are expected to cease entirely by the end of the year.

Abdul-Ghani elaborated on several projects initiated by the Ministry, such as the operation of the Karbala refinery, the rehabilitation of the Al-Sumoud refinery in Baiji, and the installation of new production plants in the Siniya and Haditha refineries. Furthermore, new production units have been inaugurated in the southern refineries, including the recent opening of the FCC unit with a capacity of 55,000 barrels per day.

The Minister also discussed the achievements in the extraction sector, noting an increase in production and export rates while affirming Iraq’s adherence to OPEC’s production and export limits. He emphasized the progress made in associated gas investment, which has risen from 53% to 74% and is targeted for completion by 2029 to convert it into useful energy for power plants and petrochemical industries.

Abdul-Ghani assured that Iraq remains committed to reducing greenhouse gas emissions and implementing the Paris Climate Conference decisions. He pointed out several completed renewable energy projects, including solar energy collaborations with the French company Total and direct implementations.