Iraq’s Somo has awarded contracts for gasoline imports for June-December 2024. A total of five cargoes were awarded, with Omani state firm OQ securing two awards, Saudi Aramco one cargo, Japanese trader Idemitsu one and Indian refiner Reliance the fifth, sources confirm. Cargoes are believed to be 30,000 tons each (approximately 250,000 barrels), equating to an average of 5,800 b/d over the period.
Iraq has been upgrading its refining capacity this year, and has succeeded in halting diesel imports with no cargoes imported since December. Gasoline imports have continued, and at an average of 60,000 b/d so far this year remain virtually unchanged from 2023 according to data intelligence firm Kpler. Recent refinery upgrades should boost domestic gasoline output (MEES, 26 April), enabling reduced imports, but the latest tender underlines that imports remain key to ensuring demand is met for the remainder of this year. If everything goes to plan then Iraq will be self-sufficient from 2025. (CONTINUED - 152 WORDS)