Iraq Ministry Steps Up Inspections at Fuel Stations to Curb Adulteration

BAGHDAD, Iraq — Iraq's Ministry of Petroleum is conducting intensive inspections of fuel stations across the country to prevent fraud and adulteration of petroleum products. Ministry spokesperson Assem Rajkabi said national refineries are continuing to expand refining capacity to meet rising domestic demand. He cited projects in Diwaniyah, Misan, Najaf, and the city of Hit in Anbar as part of ongoing or planned upgrades to local refining infrastructure. Rajkabi said new refining projects will directly strengthen the domestic supply of petroleum products. He noted that the catalytic cracking unit in Basra adds 4 to 5 million liters of high-octane gasoline per day, supporting supply stability and reducing reliance on imports. The expansion of the Diwaniyah refinery is also aimed at increasing high-octane gasoline production, he said. Rajkabi added that the Inspection Unit operating under the state-owned Petroleum Products Distribution Company monitors all filling stations, and that any irregularities or adulteration are followed up in coordination with relevant security authorities.