Targeting European markets: Iraqi-Turkish plan to establish a joint refinery in Ceyhan port
Targeting European markets: Iraqi-Turkish plan to establish a joint refinery in Ceyhan port
2026-09-08
Shafaq News – Baghdad / Ankara
Iraq and Turkey have agreed to include the construction of a joint oil refinery in the Turkish city of Ceyhan within a comprehensive energy agreement expected to be signed next year, according to IranOilGas, citing the Iraqi State Oil Marketing Company (SOMO).
According to the source, the refinery will process Iraqi crude oil at the port of Ceyhan on the Mediterranean Sea, with the refined petroleum products being allocated for export to European markets. Iraqi officials expect the project to generate additional revenues for the country that exceed crude oil export earnings.
The source indicated that the refinery project comes within a broader agreement to expand cooperation between Baghdad and Ankara to include the oil, gas and electricity sectors, after the two countries signed a one-year interim agreement in late July to maintain the flow of crude oil through the Kirkuk-Ceyhan pipeline, while simultaneously negotiating a long-term cooperation framework.
He added that the pipeline linking northern Iraq to the port of Ceyhan could transport up to 750,000 barrels per day under the interim agreement.
The anticipated agreement is expected to enhance Türkiye’s role as a hub for transporting and processing Iraqi oil and gas, while providing Iraq with additional options for generating revenue from crude oil by exporting refined petroleum products to European markets.
shafaq.com
