SULAIMANI, Kurdistan Region — The Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) has launched an initiative to close 138 illegal oil refineries in Erbil. This move aims to address the increasing air pollution in the capital, which poses a growing threat to residents’ health.
“Several refineries have been closed following a decision by the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) Prime Minister, implemented by the Erbil governorate. This process will continue until 138 illegal refineries are shut down,” the KRG announced in a statement.
The decision was announced on Sunday by Erbil Governor Omed Khoshnaw, who outlined additional measures to combat pollution in the city.
Legal refineries have been given 10 days to comply with environmental guidelines, according to the KRG statement. The Ministry of Natural Resources supports closing illegal refineries that lack licenses and fail to meet the required standards, emphasizing that all refineries must adhere to ministry regulations to be licensed.
The ministry has also issued an official directive enforcing the use of quality gas and generators and expressed readiness to coordinate the shutdown of all unlicensed refineries.
This decision comes as Erbil faces severe pollution challenges, with rising cancer rates linked to environmental factors. The city’s air quality has worsened due to the operation of hundreds of refineries, over a million vehicles, and more than 1,000 power generators.
Pollution concerns rise in Erbil amid increasing cancer cases
