Iraq reopens grease refinery unit after terrorist sabotage

Alsharq Tribune-AFP 

Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia' al-Sudani on Saturday inaugurated the grease refinery unit in the country's largest refinery complex of Baiji Refinery in Salahuddin province, following the full rehabilitation of its production units previously damaged after terrorist sabotage.

Al-Sudani emphasized that the refinery is a vital industrial facility that produces essential oils and asphalt in various grades, with an annual output of 250,000 tons of base oils and 600,000 tons of multi-grade asphalt, according to a statement by al-Sudani's media office.

The facility will also supply engine oils, heavy oils, turbine oils, and more products that will benefit various government ministries, it said.

"With the rehabilitation of this refinery and other refineries and facilities, Iraq will soon reach the stage of exporting after meeting local market needs," al-Sudani said.

The Baiji Refinery complex was destroyed after witnessing heavy fighting when IS militants seized large parts of Salahudin province in 2014. The Iraqi government forces liberated the refinery and surrounding areas in April 2015.