Iraq’s oil ministry says a contract to build a 300,000 b/d refin­ing and petchems complex at Fao has been awarded to Chinese state firm CNCEC. The refinery, to be located at Iraq’s far southern tip adjacent to key export terminals, is slated to supply export markets rather than the heavily-subsidized do­mestic market.

This follows the 3 July confirmation of an award for the 100,000 b/d Nasiriya “invest­ment refinery” to a consortium grouping Emirati firm Alawsat Energy, Chinese state firm Norinco and two apparent af­filiates, ‘San China’ and ‘Inspire Co.’ (CONTINUED - 946 WORDS)