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Basra Refinery
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The Basra Refinery, also known as the Shuaiba Refinery, is one of the most vital industrial facilities in southern Iraq, located approximately 20 kilometers west of Basra. It was commissioned in the early 1970s to process the abundant crude oil from the southern fields, such as Rumaila, directly within the region. The refinery is crucial for meeting the fuel demands of the southern governorates, producing gasoline, diesel, and liquefied petroleum gas. In recent years, a major modernization project has been launched with the help of international loans, particularly from Japan, to increase capacity and upgrade fuel quality to Euro-5 standards. A centerpiece of this expansion is the construction of a new Fluid Catalytic Cracking (FCC) unit, which enables the production of high-quality gasoline from heavy oil residues. The Basra Refinery is tightly integrated into the logistics network of the Khor Al Zubair Port, facilitating both domestic distribution and the export of surplus products. It remains a strategic pillar for Iraq's economic stability.
- Location: Iraq
- Top sights: Iraq oxygen plant · Husseiniya Bani Amer Al Bahadria · Husseiniya Bani Amer / Mullah Hamid
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is Mar, Apr, Nov.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | 12 | 15 | 20 | 26 | 33 | 37 | 39 | 39 | 35 | 29 | 20 | 14 |
| Rain mm | 26 | 11 | 12 | 9 | 2 | 4 | 3 | 1 | 0 | 6 | 23 | 24 |
📋 Practical info
What is this place?
The Basra Refinery is the central oil refinery in southern Iraq, processing crude oil from surrounding giant oil fields for domestic consumption. It supplies the country with fuel and petrochemical products.
Visiting
The refinery is a high-security site and not open to the public. The facility can be seen from surrounding roads, especially the highway to Umm Qasr.
Where to view it
The best viewpoint is from the main road passing the refinery, from where the distinctive towers and tanks are visible. Nearby bridges also offer a good view.
Local products
In Basra, markets offer dates, fish, and local handicrafts. Direct products of the refinery, such as fuel, are not available to tourists.
Active season
The refinery operates around the clock in shifts with no significant seasonal fluctuations. Maintenance work may occasionally reduce activity.
Nearby
Combine a visit to the region with exploration of the Basra oil fields and Basra city. The coastal town of Umm Qasr and the Shatt al-Arab are also good options.
Geography
Facts
- The refinery officially commenced operations in 1973.
- The current processing capacity is approximately 210,000 barrels per day.
- A 2.1 billion USD Japanese loan is funding the ongoing modernization project.
- The new FCC unit will be the first of its kind to operate in Iraq.
- The refinery is directly connected to the Rumaila oil field via pipelines.
- It supplies the majority of the gasoline required for the entire southern Iraq region.
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Sights in the town Basra Refinery (5)
Sights nearby
Frequently asked questions
Where is the Basra refinery located?
In Shuaiba, near the city of Basra.
What is the capacity of the refinery?
It is among the largest facilities in southern Iraq.
Is crude oil processed there for export?
Mainly for the domestic market and local industries.
Are there expansion plans?
Yes, it is constantly modernized to increase production.
Can experts visit the facility?
Only with an official invitation from the South Refineries Company.
Basra Refinery: where is it located?
Basra Refinery is located in Iraq.
Basra Refinery: what is there to see?
Highlights include Iraq oxygen plant, Husseiniya Bani Amer Al Bahadria, Husseiniya Bani Amer / Mullah Hamid.
Basra Refinery: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Mar, Apr, Nov.
Basra Refinery: why is it worth visiting?
The Basra Refinery, also known as the Shuaiba Refinery, is one of the most vital industrial facilities in southern Iraq, located approximately 20 kilometers west of Basra.
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