Iraq has started building a major oil refinery in Nineveh province, with a planned capacity of 70,000 barrels per day. Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani launched the project and called it a key part of the country’s energy strategy.
The Nineveh refinery 70,000-bpd project in Iraq marks a major step toward boosting refining capacity and meeting regional fuel demands. As well as the project is located south of Mosul and will directly support northern provinces that face regular fuel shortages.
Al-Sudani explained that the refinery forms part of a wider national plan. Iraq aims to increase domestic refining and reduce its reliance on fuel imports. The goal is to transform 40 percent of crude oil output into refined products within Iraq. So this will help keep more value inside the country and support local industries.
He said that Iraq has already passed its short-term goal of refining 30 to 35 percent of its oil domestically. As well as The progress has moved faster than expected, signaling that the country is on track to reach its longer-term goals.
The Nineveh refinery 70,000-bpd project in Iraq will not only produce basic fuels but will also generate other petroleum products. Additionaly these include diesel, gasoline, and LPG. These products will help cover daily demand across northern provinces and reduce strain on national supply chains.
The refinery will also boost the local economy by creating new jobs. So officials expect the site to provide 1,000 direct jobs and many more indirect ones through supporting industries and services.
This project is part of a broader strategy to build new refineries across Iraq. As well as the government sees this expansion as essential to securing energy stability and attracting investment. With more local refining, Iraq aims to export less crude and import fewer refined products.
By developing the Nineveh refinery 70,000-bpd project in Iraq, the government hopes to support reconstruction and development in one of the areas most affected by conflict. So it also wants to ensure that economic growth reaches all parts of the country.
Energy experts view this as a turning point for Iraq’s oil industry. Shifting focus from raw exports to refined production helps grow industries, create jobs, and reduce vulnerability to global market swings.
The Nineveh project highlights Iraq’s push to build a stronger, more independent energy sector. It shows the country’s intention to grow beyond extraction and move into value-added oil production.