Japan’s JGC has signed an agreement with Iraq to resume work on the $4.8bn fluid catalytic cracking (FCC) complex at the 280,000 b/d Basrah refinery. On 14 August, the oil ministry said that JGC lifted force majeure and returned to the project on 10 August, although it did not provide a timeline for when the complex will be ready.
The project is intended to increase Iraq’s gasoline output and help the country achieve self-sufficiency (MEES, 7 November 2025). The 33-unit complex includes a 55,000 b/d Vacuum Distillation Unit (VDU) to process residual oil, 34,500 b/d FCC unit, and a 40,000 b/d diesel desulfurization unit. It is set to pro-duce 4,600m3/d (29,000 b/d) of high-octane gasoline. (CONTINUED - 166 WORDS)