Dubai: The Ministry of Oil of Iraq has signed an agreement for the construction of the Refinery of Karbala with RKC (Refinery of Karbala Corporation Ltd.)

The new refinery will have a daily capacity of 200,000 barrels of crude oil and will produce high quality, high octane gasoline (regular and premium) as well diesel fuel for the domestic market.

"Karbala Refinery will be located 100km south of Baghdad on a 6 square kilometre plot of land, and will be the most advanced state of the art refinery with almost full conversion rate and with an estimated cost of $6.5 billion," said Dean Michael, CEO of Karbala Refinery Corporation.

The Italian Company Saipem will be providing the processing and the technical aspects of the project. It is due to become the most technically advanced refinery in Iraq with the use of the latest available technologies that will ensure almost full conversion of crude to final products in line with new Iraqi Laws in Refining and the Environment.

RKC has committed to commence production in 48 months from the final contract date. With the entrance in production of the Refinery of Karbala the Ministry of Oil will be able to largely supply the domestic market with better quality gasoline and diesel products.