Iraq’s state-owned Somo has issued its first gasoil export tender, likely due to added volumes from its new 140k b/d Karbala refinery, according to Argus.

• Somo is offering 612k bbl of 500ppm gasoil over a three-month period from the date of signing the agreement. Bids are due May 26.
• This is the first gasoil export tender from Somo: Iraq is traditionally a net importer of gasoil.
• However, its imports fell to zero in Feb and March, compared to an average of 24.5k b/d in 2023.
• Sources told Argus that Iraq can now export gasoil because of the newly ramped up 140k b/d Karbala refinery, which started commercial operations in April 2023.
• Iraq has also reopened its 150k b/d North refinery, part of the 290k b/d Baiji complex. The refinery was operating at around 70k b/d in March, Argus said.