PM: Our goal is to stop gas flaring at zero percent by 2028

Baghdad - INA

Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani confirmed today, Thursday, that the government has taken practical steps to diversify the economy while pointing out that a ceiling has been set not exceeding 2028 to stop flaring gas at a rate of zero percent. 

The Prime Minister said in a statement received by the Iraqi News Agency (INA): "The government has worked since the first days of assuming its duties to reconsider the philosophy of the Iraqi economy based on rentierism, and to put in place practical steps, not theoretical ones, in the matter of diversifying the economy, during PM's inauguration and launch of several projects in the oil sector in Baiji District in Salah al-Din Governorate."

He appreciated "this national effort, perseverance, sincerity, dedication to work and the creation of the achievement that was previously the preserve of foreign companies," noting that "the value of the achievement lies in the products that will cover the market's need with Iraqi manufacturing and implementation."

He explained, "Iraqi competencies have begun to manufacture and establish units in refineries, which gives value to the product and leads to market stability."

He added, "A country that produces more than 4 million barrels per day cannot continue to import oil and gas derivatives," noting that "several strategic projects have been launched for the first time in the country and in the history of the oil industry."

He continued, "We have made great strides in solving the problems, especially in the matter of gas flaring, through the concluded contracts and agreements," stressing "setting a ceiling not exceeding 2028 to stop gas flaring and a zero percent rate in flaring associated gas."

He pointed out that "continuing to promote free gas fields and patches " is important, noting that "the strategic Basra-Hadithah pipeline, which was voted on by the Council of Ministers, with a capacity of more than 2 million barrels, will provide flexibility in the internal transportation of oil."

He stressed the "trend to provide the largest proportion of crude oil production instead of selling it in global markets to use it in the oil industries for its benefit and to provide job opportunities," indicating that "the projects that were opened and construction was launched today are important to achieve a shift in the oil industry."

He pointed out that "we have directed the Ministry of Oil to complete the studies for the petrochemical project and the FCC project in Baiji," noting that "the government's plan is for Baiji to be the largest oil industrial city in Iraq and the region."

He added, "We are working to adopt international standards and environmentally friendly quality," stressing "the recommendations to care for workers by improving their living conditions and providing them with residential complexes, which is part of our commitment to them."

He pointed out that "the achievements will continue in 2025 with efforts in all sectors and governorates, and this is a promise to all our people."

He continued, "We are working to complete the strategic integrated southern project, which is being implemented for the first time in the field of oil development and gas investment, and the establishment of a power station, refinery and petrochemical plant in one place."

He explained that "the opening of the third unit of the Salah al-Din refinery will enhance the refinery's production capacity and various products, including super gasoline (high octane) by 3.5 million liters/day, liquid gas by 650 tons/day, light gas oil by 3.5 million liters/day, and heavy gas oil by 4,000 tons/day."