Iraq oil pipeline attack cuts production at Baghdad refinery by half, to 70,000 barrels a day

Oil attack halves production at Baghdad refinery

BAGHDAD — Attackers bombed a frequently targeted oil pipeline north of Baghdad, slowing production at a refinery in the capital by half, Iraq’s oil ministry said Wednesday.

There were no injuries in Tuesday night’s bombing in Rashidiya, just north of Baghdad.

The capacity at Baghdad’s Dora refinery was cut from around 140,000 barrels per day to 70,000 following the attack, said Oil Ministry spokesman Assem Jihad. The Dora refinery produces about ten oil products, ranging from kerosene to plane fuel and diesel.

The pipeline runs from oil fields in northern Kirkuk province to Baghdad. It has been the target of attacks for years, and has been bombed multiple times since 2004.

Jihad said technical crews were repairing the pipeline on Wednesday but it was unclear when it could be fixed.

Iraq produces about 2.48 million barrels of oil per day.

Also Wednesday, a roadside bomb killed two policemen and wounded four west of Baghdad, police said.