Iraqi Kurdistan shuts down 138 illegal refineries in Erbil: governor

ERBIL, Iraqi Kurdistan region,— Erbil’s governor on Sunday mandated the closure of over 100 illicit refineries in a sweeping move aimed at tackling the city’s severe air pollution. In addition to this crackdown, legal refineries were given a strict deadline to comply with environmental regulations.

Governor Omêd Khoshnaw declared the shutdown of 138 unauthorized refineries in Erbil province in Iraqi Kurdistan, warning that those operating them would face stringent legal consequences, including arrest and prosecution.

“Today marks the end for these illegal refineries in Erbil. Anyone found operating them will be subjected to severe legal repercussions,” Khoshnaw announced at a press conference.

The governor urged the Iraqi Kurdistan Region’s Ministry of Natural Resources to halt crude oil supplies to these unlicensed refineries.

“Effective immediately, any existing contracts between the ministry and these illegal refineries are null and void within Erbil province,” he stated.

Khoshnaw also issued a 10-day ultimatum for legal refineries to meet environmental standards or face significant fines. Factories within the city limits were similarly instructed to take immediate measures to enhance air quality.

Further measures include stricter regulations on vehicles and private electricity generators, which are major contributors to the city’s pollution. Khoshnaw revealed the formation of a committee to enforce these new regulations.

“We are establishing a high-level committee in Erbil to ensure full compliance with these decisions,” he said.

Deputy Environment Minister Jassim al-Falahi highlighted Erbil’s critical air pollution levels in April, citing significant contributions from smoke-emitting generators and vehicles using low-grade fuel, reminiscent of London’s infamous 1952 smog.

The governorate’s decisions come amidst increasing public outcry over the pervasive stench from the refineries that blankets the city at night, causing widespread discomfort.

Local businesses have also suffered due to the presence of these refineries. Residents in nearby villages reported a rise in illnesses since the refineries began operations around 2010.

Kurdistan has long been plagued by corruption, with Kurdish lawmakers and leaked documents revealing billions of dollars missing from the region’s oil revenues.

Transparency organizations, legislators, and international bodies have frequently accused senior officials of the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) of corruption, particularly concerning the misappropriation of oil income. Despite repeated promises to address corruption, the government has made little progress.

The ruling Barzani family has often faced allegations of amassing substantial wealth from the oil industry, with critics claiming that their focus on personal gain comes at the expense of serving the populace.

iKurd News political analyst Henase Karim says, “For the past decade, the Barzanis have pledged to close all illegal refineries, frequently announcing the shutdown of hundreds. However, these claims are met with skepticism, as dozens of new refineries emerge each year.”