Kirkuk: Production and loading operations have officially started at the hydrogenation and gasoline improvement unit project at the Kirkuk refinery. The announcement was made by Adnan Mohammed Hamoud, the Undersecretary of the Ministry of Oil for Refining Affairs. The project boasts an operational capacity of 12,000 barrels per day.

According to National Iraqi News Agency, the initiation of this project aligns with the government’s and the Ministry of Oil’s strategies to enhance refining capacity, ensure self-sufficiency, and eventually facilitate the export of petroleum products to international markets. The project is under the direct supervision of Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani and receives continuous attention from Oil Minister Hayan Abdul-Ghani al-Sawad, marking it as a critical strategic endeavor in the refining sector.

The project is designed to produce approximately 1,600,000 liters per day of improved gasoline (92 octane) and liquefied petroleum gas (LPG). This development plays a crucial role in addressing the energy demands of Kirkuk Governorate and its neighboring regions, while also bolstering national energy security.

Hammoud highlighted that the initiative extends beyond technical and production achievements. It serves as a comprehensive strategic move that offers employment opportunities for the residents of the governorate and strengthens the national economy by boosting local production and minimizing reliance on imports.

The project was executed and is managed by the Al-Barham Oil Refining and Distribution Company using an advanced investment model known as BOOT (Build, Own, Operate, Transfer). Notably, this approach does not impose any financial burdens on the state budget, underscoring the significance of effective public-private partnerships in executing essential projects.