PM's political advisor denies building refineries outside Iraq

Iraqi News

05-05-2025

The PM's Political Advisor, Fadi Al-Shimmari, denied on Monday the construction of refineries outside Iraq.
"It is surprising what is being circulated regarding the intention to build an Iraqi refinery outside the country, under the unilateral direction of the Prime Minister," said Al-Shimmari in a statement - received by the Iraqi News Agency - INA.
He highlighted, "These fabricated narratives are presented in a Hollywood-like manner, as if establishing refineries or any major projects outside the country is an easy, implementable decision."
"Such strategic projects fall within the purview of the Cabinet and are subject to in-depth studies by the relevant ministries, which could extend for years," added Al-Shimmari.
He explained that "even if such projects are approved in the future, how can this be interpreted as a sell-out of Iraq, as some describe it?"
"Investing in foreign refineries, petrochemical projects, and other such projects is a sovereign economic investment that major countries resort to based on accurate feasibility studies that take into account costs, marketing mechanisms, proximity to consuming countries, and other technical matters, including Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Algeria, and the United States," he clarified.
Al-Shimmari noted, "This is part of commercial and economic strategies aimed at diversifying sales outlets and markets, whether for crude oil or derivatives and maximizing national revenues."