Iraq’s fuel imports exceeded 2.1 million tons during the year. The Iraq fuel imports highlight ongoing challenges in domestic refining capacity. Despite strong crude production, the country still depends on imported petroleum products.
First, official data showed that Iraq imported more than 2.1 million tons of fuel. These imports mainly included gasoline and diesel. Therefore, Iraq’s fuel imports continue to support domestic energy demand.
According to the figures, gasoline imports reached 1,523,195 tons. Meanwhile, gas oil, also known as diesel, reached 594,286 tons. However, records showed no kerosene imports during the same period.
Although Iraq ranks among the largest crude oil exporters in the world, the country still imports fuel products. Limited refining capacity remains a major challenge for the energy sector. Consequently, Iraq’s fuel imports continue despite strong crude oil production.
Iraq currently stands as the second-largest crude oil exporter in the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries. Oil production generates significant national revenue. However, refining infrastructure has not expanded at the same pace as crude output.
Therefore, domestic refineries cannot fully meet fuel demand. As a result, authorities rely on international markets to supply refined petroleum products.
One of Iraq’s newest refining facilities operates in Karbala. This refinery produces about 140,000 barrels of fuel products per day. The facility represents an important step toward strengthening national refining capacity.
However, older refineries still dominate Iraq’s refining sector. Many of these facilities require upgrades and modernization to operate efficiently.
For example, the Baiji refinery once ranked among Iraq’s largest refining facilities. Before the conflict with ISIS, the refinery processed around 300,000 barrels of oil per day. Unfortunately, years of conflict caused severe damage to the facility.
Although reconstruction efforts continue, the refinery has not fully returned to its previous capacity. Consequently, domestic refining output remains limited.
Another important facility operates in Baghdad. The Dora refinery began operations decades ago and remains one of the country’s oldest refining sites. Currently, the refinery processes about 140,000 barrels per day.
Because of aging infrastructure, many refineries operate below optimal performance levels. Therefore, Iraq’s fuel imports continue to fill the gap between production and consumption.
In addition, fuel demand continues rising across Iraq. Population growth and economic activity increase the consumption of gasoline and diesel. Consequently, domestic refineries struggle to keep pace with market demand.
Authorities continue discussing strategies to improve the refining sector. These strategies include expanding refinery capacity and modernizing aging facilities. Such efforts could gradually reduce the need for imports.
The Iraq fuel imports, therefore, highlight the importance of infrastructure development in the energy sector. Strengthening refining capacity could help Iraq rely more on its own resources.
At the same time, reducing imports would improve energy security. Domestic refining expansion could also increase economic efficiency.
Ultimately, Iraq’s fuel imports demonstrate the gap between crude oil production and refining capacity. Until new projects expand the refining sector, Iraq will likely continue importing fuel products.