Iraq mandates brick factories to switch to natural gas within 18 months to combat pollution

BAGHDAD — The Ministry of Industry announced on Thursday that all brick factories in Baghdad and other governorates must transition from using heavy fuel oil to natural gas within the next 18 months.

Heavy fuel oil, also known as bunker fuel, is a residual byproduct from crude oil refining. It is a thick, viscous oil used primarily in shipping and industrial applications due to its low cost. However, HFO is a massive environmental concern as it releases high levels of sulfur oxides, nitrogen oxides, particulate matter, and other pollutants that contribute to air quality degradation and acid rain. Its incomplete combustion also results in the emission of black smoke, which poses health risks and harms ecosystems.

Iraq faces severe environmental challenges, particularly air pollution. The government recently formed a specialized committee to investigate recurring sulfur emissions affecting Baghdad and surrounding areas. One of the main contributors is the widespread use of black oil, which brick factories use as it is the cheapest fuel available, but it emits harmful black smoke.

Nahrawan, located about 35 kilometers northeast of Baghdad, is one of the worst-affected areas. The region houses over 360 brick factories and employs more than 9,000 workers. The continuous black smoke from these factories has severely polluted the environment, making Nahrawan one of Iraq’s most polluted areas.

Ministry spokesperson Duha Al-Jubouri told Al-Iraqiya TV, “All brick factories in Baghdad and the governorates have been instructed to switch to natural gas, effective from Cabinet Decision No. 24,547 of 2024, with a compliance period of 18 months.” Factories that fail to comply risk losing fuel supplies. Al-Jubouri added that government loans are available to assist with the costs of upgrading to gas-powered systems.

Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani, during a recent Cabinet session, emphasized that brick factories in Nahrawan are major sources of pollution. He stressed that these factories must either switch to natural gas or be relocated outside Baghdad.

In 2021, Iraq committed to tackling climate change by joining the Paris Climate Agreement. The agreement, adopted by 197 countries, aims to limit the rise in global temperatures this century to 2°C or below.