The government fulfill its promise to restart the Baiji refinery

Baghdad-INA  
Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani inaugurated today, Friday, the rehabilitated North Oil Refinery in Baiji, which had been inactive for more than 10 years.
 
Prime Minister Al-Sudani noted that many Iraqis had been eagerly awaiting this significant achievement following the refinery's destruction. He commemorated the martyrs and the wounded service members who defended this land and liberated the refinery from ISIS terrorists, marking a new era led by the engineers and workers of the North Refineries Company who undertook the challenge of reconstructing this vital facility.
 
Prime Minister Al-Sudani stated that many doubted bringing back the equipment and the materials of the refinery, which was accomplished in cooperation with the Kurdistan Regional Government of Iraq. He mentioned that with this achievement, we are nearing the capacity of providing the country's entire needs for oil derivatives by mid-next year at the latest. This will save us billions of dollars that will be allocated to other service and economic sectors by ceasing the import of oil derivatives, thus achieving our reform goals.
 
Prime Minister Al-Sudani stated that this government, within 15 months of its tenure, has prioritized the oil and gas sector, with well-planned programs to invest this wealth for the best returns. He confirmed the preparation of an investment projects plan both within and outside Iraq in a new policy we adopt for investing oil in petrochemical and manufacturing industries to gain the highest revenue.
 
Here are the highlights from Prime Minister Al-Sudani's remarks at the refinery's inauguration:
 
  We stand in reverence and respect for the martyrs and the wounded who defended this land and liberated the refinery from ISIS.
 
  We visited this refinery in May 2023, to examine its condition and the recovered equipment and machinery, an initiative by citizen Mr. Baran Ahmed Younis with cooperation from the Kurdistan Regional Government of Iraq.
 
  Despite producing more than 4 million barrels per day, Iraq still imports oil derivatives—a policy that has been in place for decades.
 
  With this achievement, we are on track to meet the country's total oil derivatives needs by mid-next year, potentially even surpassing this goal ahead of schedule.
 
  Halting oil derivative imports will save billions of dollars, which can be reallocated to other public services and economic sectors, marking significant reform.
 
  The will and determination of the heroes at the North Refineries Company and supporting national companies achieved this national milestone in 7 months, a task that could have taken 3-4 years.
 
  Iraq never yields to the impossible, innovating solutions despite challenges—a resilience we count on to tackle all obstacles.
 
  The government has placed a high priority on the oil and gas sector, implementing deliberative plans to invest this wealth for optimal returns.
 
  We have embarked on projects that are being implemented for the first time, such as investing in associated gas. Today, international companies and national efforts are working in more than one location and field to end gas flaring within a 3-5 year timeframe.
 
  We are preparing for investment projects inside and outside Iraq in a new policy we adopt to invest oil in petrochemical and manufacturing industries to gain the highest return.
 
  Our government proceeds with confidence and determination to provide services to the Iraqi people according to the government program, with support and backing from members of the Parliament.
 
  I value the Parliament's Energy Committee and its chairman for their significant contribution to recovering the equipment of the refinery.
 
  I appreciate the significant support and encouragement from the esteemed members of Parliament representing Salah Al-Din Governorate in revitalizing this refinery.
   Baiji Oil Refinery stands as a testament to the Iraqi people's will, determination, and perseverance.