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Baiji Oil Refinery

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Industrial site
—°3
Baiji Oil Refinery (Iraq)

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The Baiji Oil Refinery, located in the Salah ad Din Governorate, was for a long time the largest and most important refinery in Iraq. Built in the late 1970s and early 1980s, it was strategically designed to supply the entire country with gasoline, diesel, and heating oil. The complex consisted of two main units, North Oil and South Oil, and possessed a maximum processing capacity of approximately 310.000 barrels per day. During the conflict with ISIS between 2014 and 2015, the refinery was the site of months of heavy fighting, which led to the near-total destruction of its infrastructure. Following its recapture by Iraqi forces, an arduous process of demining and reconstruction began. Today, sections of the refinery have returned to operation, and the Iraqi government is investing heavily in the full restoration of its capacities to reduce the nation's reliance on fuel imports. The refinery stands as a symbol of the country's economic reconstruction after years of conflict.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Apr, May, Oct.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C81015212733363631251510
Rain mm31293329101101112531

📋 Practical info

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What is this place?
Baiji Oil Refinery was historically one of the largest and most important oil refineries in Iraq, securing a significant portion of the domestic fuel supply. Despite damage in conflicts, it remains a symbolic and strategically important industrial site.
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Visiting
The refinery is a highly sensitive industrial site with strict security measures and is not open to the public. External viewing is only possible from a safe distance from surrounding roads, security situation permitting.
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Where to view it
The best viewpoints are on the hills east of the refinery, from where the facilities and tanks are visible. The main road nearby also features a view of the vast industrial site, though often from a great distance.
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Local products
The refinery produces a range of petroleum products, including gasoline, diesel, fuel oil, and liquefied petroleum gas. These products are destined for the Iraqi domestic market, supplying households, vehicles, and industry.
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Active season
The refinery typically operates continuously, but with interruptions due to maintenance or security incidents. The highest production is usually achieved during periods of political stability and sufficient crude oil supply.
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Nearby
A visit to the region can be combined with the town of Baiji itself and its markets. The archaeological sites of ancient Assyria, such as the ruins of Assur, are also in the wider area, offering cultural depth.

Geography

Coordinates
35.01000, 43.51000

Facts

  • Baiji had a peak processing capacity of 310,000 barrels per day before the war.
  • The refinery complex covers an area of several square kilometers.
  • The facility was officially inaugurated and fully operational by 1982.
  • During the 2014 siege, the plant suffered extensive damage from heavy artillery.
  • More than 3,000 workers were employed at the refinery before its destruction.
  • The reopening of the Salahuddin-1 unit in 2021 was a major milestone in reconstruction.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

BaijiBaiji7 km · WExplore →
Makhoul MountainsMakhoul Mountains35 km · SExplore →
TikritTikrit38 km · NWExplore →
Hamrin MountainsHamrin Mountains41 km · WExplore →
AssurAssur45 km · SEExplore →
Great Mosque of SamarraGreat Mosque of Samarra76 km · NWExplore →
SamarraSamarra78 km · NWExplore →
Mishraq Sulphur MineMishraq Sulphur Mine81 km · EExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

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Sights in the town Baiji Oil Refinery (3)

Imam Shafi`i Mosque🏺 historical

An important religious monument in Baiji, commemorating the teachings of one of the four great imams of Sunni Islam.

Al Fatha🏺 historical

These ruins are located near the strategic Fatha Gorge, where the Tigris river cuts through the Hamrin Mountains.

Mosque Farouk📍 landmark

A local Islamic place of worship serving the community near the Baiji oil refinery.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

How large is the Baiji refinery?
It is the largest oil refinery in Iraq.
Is it operational after the war?
Yes, it has been gradually repaired and restarted.
Can it be visited?
No, it is a restricted industrial site.
What is produced here?
Gasoline, diesel, and kerosene for domestic needs.
Why is the location strategically important?
Due to its central position between Baghdad and Mosul.
Baiji Oil Refinery: where is it located?
Baiji Oil Refinery is located in Iraq.
Baiji Oil Refinery: what is there to see?
Highlights include Imam Shafi`i Mosque, Al Fatha, Mosque Farouk.
Baiji Oil Refinery: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Apr, May, Oct.
Baiji Oil Refinery: why is it worth visiting?
The Baiji Oil Refinery, located in the Salah ad Din Governorate, was for a long time the largest and most important refinery in Iraq.
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Nearby cities

Baiji — Baiji Oil Refinery (Iraq)
Baiji
An industrial city in Saladin province, known for its large oil refineries.
Tikrit — Baiji Oil Refinery (Iraq)
Tikrit
A city on the Tigris, known as the birthplace of Saladin.
Samarra — Baiji Oil Refinery (Iraq)
Samarra
An ancient city on the Tigris, famous for its spiral Great Mosque.

History & landmarks

Al-Askari Shrine — Baiji Oil Refinery (Iraq)
Al-Askari Shrine
An important Shia holy site in Samarra, famous worldwide for its historically golden dome.

Nature

Lake Tharthar — Baiji Oil Refinery (Iraq)
Lake Tharthar
Lake Tharthar is the largest lake by area in Iraq and serves as an important water reservoir.

More places

Makhoul Mountains — Baiji Oil Refinery (Iraq)
Makhoul Mountains
A range of hills and mountains on the western bank of the Tigris, representing a northwestward continuation of the Hamrin Mountains.
Hamrin Mountains — Baiji Oil Refinery (Iraq)
Hamrin Mountains
A prominent mountain ridge extending from the Iranian border to the Tigris river, forming a natural cultural boundary.
Assur — Baiji Oil Refinery (Iraq)
Assur
The first capital and religious center of the Assyrian Empire on the Tigris.
Great Mosque of Samarra — Baiji Oil Refinery (Iraq)
Great Mosque of Samarra
A historical 9th-century mosque with a distinctive spiral minaret.