Iraqi Oil Minister, Ihsan Abduljabbar, has announced that the ministry is planning to raise the production capacity of Baiji refineries to 280,000 barrels of oil per day (bbl/d), according to Shafaq News.

Abduljabbar said in a statement, “the ministry’s plans aim to increase production from northern refineries to 280,000 bbl/d. In light of the decline in oil prices and the difficulties facing the Iraqi economy, the ministry is relying on refining, gas, and petrochemical industries, which are considered an economic pillar to sustain and enhance national development.”

This is not the only plan in place to increase production, with Abduljabbar adding that the ministry is also seeking to increase production in Al-Qayyarah refinery. This project would see the construction of a new 70,000 bbl/d capacity unit.

Undersecretary for Liquidation Affairs Hamid Yunus also said, “the production capacity of the northern refineries currently exceeds 75,000 bbl/d, and it is hoped that it will reach 120,000 bbl/d by the end of this year.”

There is a desire to carry out rehabilitation projects for all refineries to increase production and improve the quality of oil products in Iraq.