Oil and gas expert Assem Jihad confirmed that a Japanese company has resumed operations at Iraq’s southern refineries and is continuing work on a project aimed at producing approximately 5 million liters of improved gasoline, following a temporary suspension linked to regional security concerns.
Jihad stated that reports suggesting the company had permanently withdrawn from the project were inaccurate. He explained that the earlier suspension was a precautionary measure taken after Japan temporarily evacuated some of its citizens from the region due to escalating regional tensions. He also noted that the project was still in its trial phase at the time.
According to Jihad, the company has now returned to the southern refineries and reached an agreement to continue production activities. Once fully operational, the project is expected to supply up to 5 million liters of high-quality gasoline, in addition to other refined petroleum products.
He added that the facility operates with a production capacity of approximately 55,000 barrels per day and is considered one of Iraq’s modern refining projects. The refinery is designed to produce fuel products that meet higher quality specifications and contribute to improving the country’s refining capabilities.
The project is part of Iraq’s broader efforts to expand domestic refining capacity, reduce dependence on imported fuel products and increase the availability of higher-quality petroleum derivatives for local consumption.
Jihad emphasized that international companies involved in Iraq’s oil sector remain committed to their projects and have not abandoned their investments. He noted that temporary operational interruptions related to security or technical factors should not be interpreted as a withdrawal from the Iraqi market.
The resumption of work is expected to support fuel supply stability, enhance refining output and strengthen Iraq’s ongoing strategy to modernize its energy infrastructure and maximize the value of its crude oil production.
