Erbil Takes Action as 41 'Makeshift' Refineries Shut Down in Environmental Crackdown
Kurdistan24 reports that Erbil's environmental cleanup campaign is ongoing in multiple phases: the first targeted iron factories, the second addressed contaminated farmland (removing about 100 dunams), and the third focused on refineries.

Jan. 19, 2025
Erbil (Kurdistan24) - In an environmental enforcement action in Erbil province, authorities continue to crack down on illegal refineries.
The Director of Gwer Municipality reported that 41 "makeshift" refineries have been closed, while the Environmental Directorate representative stated that "none of the refineries meet environmental protection requirements."
Masoud Nouri, Director of Gwer Municipality, stated that following Kurdistan Region Prime Minister Masrour Barzani's directive, they have begun a campaign to impose environmental regulations.
Those who fail to comply with Kurdistan's environmental protection guidelines face legal consequences.
He reaffirmed that three refineries operating outside regulatory guidelines have already been shut down.
Working in coordination with the Erbil Security Directorate and relevant authorities, they have carried out thorough monitoring over the past month.
During this period, they closed 41 secondary refineries, known as "makeshift refineries," and seized their equipment.
According to Nouri, refineries receive one warning, after which immediate closure follows if compliance is not achieved.
About 10 refineries have been referred to court thus far.
The municipality has also issued warnings together with Erbil's Environmental Directorate regarding proper waste disposal, requiring refineries to handle oil and other waste materials methodically within their facilities.
Ibrahim Nasih from Erbil Environmental Directorate's Inspection and Monitoring Committee told Kurdistan24 that while they issue environmental permits according to international standards, the refineries at this time fail to meet any environmental protection requirements and contribute to soil, water, and air pollution in Erbil.
Kurdistan24 reports that Erbil's environmental cleanup campaign continues in multiple phases.
The first phase targeted iron factories, the second tackled farmlands irrigated with contaminated water (resulting in the removal of approximately 100 dunams), and the third phase centers on refineries.
This campaign follows a special meeting chaired by Kurdistan Region Prime Minister Masrour Barzani on Sunday, Jan. 12, 2025, tackling air pollution concerns in Erbil and Duhok.
The Prime Minister emphasized that "protecting public health, Kurdistan's environment, and resolving air pollution issues are top priorities for our government."
He instructed relevant authorities to implement essential measures against pollution sources and enforce penalties for violations.
Key Decisions Announced:
1- Immediate Regulatory Enforcement:
- Effective immediately, refineries and factories operating outside environmental guidelines face legal action.
- Strict monitoring of industrial operations to ensure compliance with environmental standards
2- Fuel Quality Controls:
- Ban on production and illegal importation of substandard vehicle fuel
- New restrictions on associated gas flaring in oil fields to reduce emissions
3- Power Generation Regulations:
- Mandatory installation of noise and pollution filters for private generators
- Legal consequences for non-compliance with government directives
4- Water Quality Protection:
- Strict prohibition on using contaminated water and sewage for irrigation of agricultural products
This initiative comes against the backdrop of rising concerns about air quality in Kurdistan's major urban centers, particularly in Erbil and Duhok, where rapid industrialization and urban development have contributed to growing environmental challenges.
The new measures embody the most wide-ranging environmental protection framework implemented by the KRG to date, reflecting an improved focus on sustainable development and public health protection in the region's growing urban centers.
Implementation of these measures will be monitored by relevant government agencies, with regular assessment of their effectiveness in improving air quality and overall environmental conditions in the affected cities.