Iraqi official: Limited damage to the Lanaz refinery in Erbil after it was targeted this morning

An Iraqi government official confirmed on March 13, 2026, that the Lanaz refinery in Erbil sustained only limited damage following an attack earlier that morning [Statement by Iraqi government official, March 13, 2026]. The facility, a key contributor to Iraq’s oil export infrastructure, remains operational, though preliminary assessments indicate minor disruptions to refining capacity. The official emphasized that no personnel were injured and that the extent of the damage is expected to have a minimal impact on regional energy supply chains.

The Lanaz refinery, located in the semi-autonomous Kurdistan Region, processes approximately 120,000 barrels of crude oil daily, accounting for roughly 8% of Iraq’s total refining output. Analysts suggest that even a temporary reduction in its operations is unlikely to significantly affect national production levels, given Iraq’s reliance on other major facilities such as those in Basra. However, the incident has raised concerns about the security of critical infrastructure in conflict-prone areas, potentially influencing investor sentiment toward energy assets in the region.

Authorities have not yet identified the perpetrators of the attack, and investigations are ongoing. While the financial cost of repairs remains unspecified, industry experts note that limited damage likely reduces immediate economic losses for both local operators and international partners. The event underscores the ongoing risks faced by energy infrastructure in geopolitically sensitive zones, despite Iraq’s broader efforts to stabilize its oil sector.