Iraq launches new oil refinery to reduce imports

Karbala, Iraq (AFP) April 1, 2023

Iraq inaugurated an oil refinery in the central city of Karbala on Saturday, a project the government hopes will reduce its dependency on imports. Oil Minister Hayan Abdel Ghani announced the refinery had begun "commercial production" after a ribbon-cutting ceremony led by Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani. It has the capacity to refine 140,000 barrels per day and "help meet local d