The Oil Minister announced via Shafaq News that spending on gasoline imports will be reduced by 90%.
The Oil Minister announced via Shafaq News that spending on gasoline imports will be reduced by 90%.
2025-08-06 04:14
Shafaq News – Kirkuk
Oil Minister Hayan Abdul Ghani announced on Wednesday that annual spending on importing refined gasoline would be reduced from $5 billion to $500 million, following the opening of a hydrogenation and refined gasoline unit in Kirkuk province.
Abdul Ghani told Shafaq News Agency, “The opening of the hydrogenation unit project in Kirkuk will significantly contribute to increasing the production of high-quality gasoline by 10,000 to 12,000 barrels per day, enough to meet the governorate’s need for refined gasoline and even provide additional quantities to neighboring governorates.”
He pointed out that “this investment project, which did not cost the state any money, will directly contribute to reducing reliance on imported fuel, and will later be handed over to the refinery company after 20 years of operation.”
The minister added, “The Ministry of Oil is proceeding with strategic projects in Kirkuk Governorate, including the opening of a wet oil plant in the northern Jambur field with a production capacity of 90,000 barrels per day, which will enhance the capabilities of the oil infrastructure and increase the chances of achieving local self-sufficiency.”
For his part, oil expert Ali Abdul Rahman told Shafaq News Agency, “The opening of the hydrocarbons plant in Kirkuk represents a strategic step towards reducing the import bill and enhancing energy security in Iraq.” He explained that “such projects reduce pressure on state budgets, provide better-quality and less expensive petroleum products, and open the door to expanding local refinery projects.”
The North Jambur field is one of the oldest and most important oil fields in Kirkuk Governorate. It is located northeast of the city, adjacent to the Kirkuk and Bai Hassan fields. Production began in August 1959 and includes dozens of oil wells that have witnessed extensive activity over the past decades. Production in the field had declined due to the shutdown of a number of wells, but recent development efforts have brought about 20 wells back online, contributing to a gradual increase in production capacity.
In the same context, Kirkuk Governor Rebwar Taha told Shafaq News Agency, “The project to develop a hydrogenation and gasoline improvement unit in Kirkuk represents a qualitative shift in the oil investment file,” stressing that “the project will contribute to providing improved gasoline to the people of Kirkuk and neighboring governorates, and reduce the economic burdens on the state and citizens.”
shafaq.com
