Iraq producing 250,000 b/d of crude oil; plans start-up of Basra refinery

By OGJ editors

HOUSTON, May 15 -- Iraq currently is producing about 250,000 b/d of crude oil for internal consumption, according to Thamir Abbas Ghadban, the newly appointed head of Iraq's oil sector, reported the US Energy Information Administration Thursday.

EIA also reported that British engineers say the Basra refinery could reach its full capacity of 140,000 b/d by May 27 if the pipeline from Baghdad to Basra is brought on stream on May 25, as planned.

The line, damaged during the war, has been undergoing repairs, which will be followed by pressure testing before it can resume service.