Special to WorldTribune.com

BAGHDAD — Iraq plans to construct two more major refineries in an
effort to end fuel imports.

The Iraqi Oil Ministry said it intends to build two refineries in the
provinces of Karbala and Missan over the next five years.

The ministry said the Karbala facility would be designed to produce 140,000 barrels of fuel per day, while Missan would process up to 150,000.

Officials acknowledged that Iraq desperately needs additional refineries to keep up with rising domestic fuel demand. They said Iraq, which in October 2011 ended free fuel for electricity generators, consumes 50 percent more gasoline than it produces, with much of the output slated for export.

Iraq has reported increasing crude oil output, with plans to reach 12
million barrels per day in 2016. But the country lacks refinery facilities
to use the oil to accommodate domestic fuel demand.

  increasing crude oil output, Iraq plans additional refineries to meet rising domestic demand, Iraqi Oil Ministry, Krabala and Missan provinces