Iraq signs contracts for new oil refineries

Baghdad: Iraq's Oil Ministry says it is close to signing two contracts to build two new oil refineries in southern Iraq.

A senior oil official says he expects the ministry to sign one contract by the end of July or early August. That contract will be for a 300,000 barrel-per-day refinery in Nasiriyah province.

The official says the ministry also is studying proposals presented by international companies to build another 150,000 barrel-per-day refinery in Karbala.

The official spoke on condition of anonymity on Thursday because he is not authorised to make statements.

Nasiriyah is located about 320 kilometers south of Baghdad, and Karbala about 80 kilometers south.