Iraq's Ministerial Council for Energy has announced plans for a significant development of the Diwaniyah refinery, aiming to boost its capacity to 70,000 barrels per day (bpd). The decision, alongside five other unspecified resolutions, is now set to be reviewed by the Cabinet for final approval.

"The Cabinet had already greenlit an expansion to 70,000 bpd in March 2022," noted the Ministry of Oil, as the latest move builds upon previously established plans.

Minister of Oil Hayyan Abdul Ghani, who led the meeting, reiterated Iraq's dedication to strengthening its energy sector to fuel industrial and economic growth across the country.

In January 2023, Iraq’s Ministry of Oil outlined upcoming investment prospects in refining projects across the nation, detailing expansions at Al-Amarah refinery (150,000 bpd), Al-Muthanna refinery (100,000 bpd), Kirkuk refinery (100,000 bpd), Qayyarah refinery (70,000 bpd), and a new 70,000 bpd unit at the Dhi Qar refinery.

Plans also include establishing a new 150,000 bpd refinery in Dhi Qar governorate and adding production units at facilities in Iraq's southern, central, and northern regions. The Ministry previously announced the addition of a 70,000 bpd unit at Diwaniyah refinery and the imminent launch of production at the Karbala refinery, which will produce 140,000 bpd.