Iraq’s Leading Bitumen Producer & Supplier – Petro Naft

Iraq Bitumen

If you need dependable asphalt binder inside Iraq or for export, Iraq’s Leading Bitumen Producer & Supplier – Petro Naft provides penetration (50/70, 60/70), viscosity (VG10, VG30, VG40), oxidized/blown, cutback, emulsion, and PMB grades from strategic hubs in Erbil and the south—backed by batch documentation, flexible packaging, and fast cross-border routing.

What makes Petro Naft the leading producer & supplier in Iraq today?

Short answer: Breadth of grades, proven in-country production and blending, rigorous QA/QC with verifiable test results, and predictable logistics via northern and southern corridors—exactly what road authorities, EPCs, and distributors need.

What this means in practice

• Complete grade coverage: Penetration 40/50, 50/70, 60/70; VG10/VG30/VG40; oxidized/blown; cutbacks (MC/RC/SC); cationic emulsions; and PMB/PG binders for high-load, high-temperature applications.

• In-country proximity: Supply from Erbil (Kurdistan Region) with southern tie-ins reduces lead times and freight risk.

• Transparent QA/QC: Batch CoAs aligned with standard test methods (penetration D5, softening D36, ductility D113, flash D92, RTFOT/PAV where applicable).

• Flexible packaging: New steel 200-kg drums, 1-ton jumbo bags, and bulk (heated tankers/ISO) for continuous paving.

• Hands-on technical support: Grade selection (including PG/PMB for hot climates), documentation kits (CoA/MSDS/origin), and optional third-party inspection.

For a concise view of grades, documentation, and dispatch options, see the Petro Naft Iraq bitumen guide.

Mini-FAQ
Q: What’s the fastest export route right now?
A: Usually Erbil → Ibrahim Khalil/Habur for Turkey/Eastern Med or Umm Qasr for ocean freight—chosen per grade, destination, and vessel schedule. Guidance on the border crossing appears in the KRG border notice.

Where is bitumen produced in Iraq, and which grades are consistently available?

Short answer: State refineries (Basra/Nasiriyah; Samawah) anchor output of oxidized and penetration grades, while private-sector capacity around Erbil expands supply and export options. The Karbala refinery start-up reinforced overall refined-product self-sufficiency.

• The Karbala refinery was inaugurated and brought into operation in 2023; coverage is available via Karbala launch coverage.

• Background on southern refinery operations is maintained on the South Refineries Company profile.

2025 snapshot (market-tested view)

Field insight (Oct 2025): Our on-ground mapping confirms steady daily oxidized output in the south, robust pen/VG availability from Erbil and refinery tie-ins, and rising PMB use on heavy-duty corridors. This is reflected in the inquiries we receive from highway and port-connector projects.

Mini-FAQ
Q: Is Erbil truly a private-sector hub for bitumen and asphalt activity?
A: Yes. Beyond supply and blending, the KRG inaugurated an asphalt recycling plant in Erbil (160 t/h), contributing to regional road programs. See KRG asphalt announcement.

How does recent refinery expansion strengthen local bitumen supply?

Short answer: Since 2023, the Karbala refinery (≈140 kb/d) and upgrades in the Basra/Baiji spheres have lifted operating refining capacity to roughly 1.3 mb/d by mid-2025, improving availability of heavy residues used to make asphalt binder.

• Overview of refining capacity trends appears in the EIA Iraq 2025 brief.

• The Karbala inauguration was reported in Karbala launch coverage.

Why this matters to buyers

• More local feedstock for blown, penetration, and viscosity grades.

• Shorter, steadier lead times for Iraqi job sites and export corridors.

• Less import reliance on specific refined products, which stabilizes planning.

Mini-FAQ
Q: Will higher refinery throughput automatically cut bitumen prices?
A: Not automatically. Prices still track crude and regional demand. What improves first is availability and scheduling reliability, which reduces project risk; context in the EIA Iraq 2025 brief.

Which grade should you specify for Iraq’s climate and traffic loads?

Short answer: For most highways and arterials, 50/70 or 60/70 (pen) and VG30/VG40 are common. For extreme heat and heavy loads, PMB/PG (e.g., PG 76-10) provides better rutting and fatigue resistance—validated by Iraqi research.

• Performance evidence is detailed in the Tikrit J. Eng. Sci. study and MDPI 2025 analysis.

Grade chooser (field-tested)

• City streets / moderate traffic: Pen 60/70 or VG10, tuned to mix design and compaction window.

• Highways / freight corridors / >50 °C pavement temps: VG30/VG40 or PMB 25/55-65 / PG 76-10.

• Prime / tack / maintenance: MC-30/RC-70 and cationic emulsions (SS/RS/MS variants). References to local production appear in the MoIM product post (Arabic).

• Roofing / waterproofing: Oxidized/blown grades with softening points matched to design and service temperature.

Real-world signal: Laboratory work in Iraq at 60–75 °C shows PG 76-10 mixes retain higher stiffness and stability versus conventional binders; multiple projects have implemented PMB on port connectors and trunk roads. See MDPI 2025 analysis.

Mini-FAQ
Q: When is a VG grade preferable to a pure penetration grade?
A: In hot conditions and with variable crude slates, viscosity-graded binders (VG30/VG40) provide more predictable rheology during production and paving than pen-only grades, which helps compaction control and in-service stability—an outcome echoed in the MDPI 2025 analysis.

How does Petro Naft assure quality, documentation, and compliance?

Short answer: Every lot ships with a Certificate of Analysis aligned to ASTM/EN methods. Independent inspection (e.g., SGS/BV) can be arranged; packaging is seal-coded and traceable; and export documents match Incoterms for smooth clearance.

• Document sets and procedures are summarized in the Petro Naft Iraq bitumen guide.

What you receive

• Batch-level CoA (penetration, softening, ductility, viscosity, flash, aging indices) and spec ranges.

• Seals/labels on drums and jumbos; bulk waybills tied to lab results and batch IDs.

• Optional third-party inspection before loading.

• Export pack: invoice, packing list, MSDS, CoA, certificate of origin, and transport/insurance papers.

Mini-FAQ
Q: Can you match project-specific PMB classes (e.g., 25/55-65)?
A: Yes—formulation and verification are done against target classes. When requested, we arrange DSR/BBR/RTFOT/PAV testing via partner labs for full PG certificates.

What packaging and logistics options work best?

Short answer: Choose by scale and off-take speed—bulk for plants and megaprojects; drums for multi-drop deliveries; jumbo bags for storage-constrained sites.

At-a-glance

Routing that delivers

• North: Overland via Ibrahim Khalil (Habur) corridor for Turkey/Eastern Med flows—see the KRG border notice.

• South: Umm Qasr for seaborne freight; rising national refining throughput supports broader logistics planning in 2024–2025, reflected in the EIA Iraq 2025 brief.

Mini-FAQ
Q: Do Iraq–Turkey pipeline developments matter for bitumen logistics?
A: They are a bellwether for cross-border flows and port congestion. September 2025 reporting on restart talks and steps is available from Reuters pipeline update and an Argus note.

Which 2024–2025 market trends should buyers watch?

Short answer: More local supply, broader PMB adoption, documented origin, and tighter compliance—all of which reward buyers who insist on verifiable paperwork.

• Self-sufficiency push: Operating refining capacity reached ~1.3 mb/d by mid-2025 after Karbala’s start-up and southern upgrades; Baiji repairs added resilience. See the EIA Iraq 2025 brief.

• Performance binders: Iraqi lab work demonstrates that PG 76-10 mixes show reduced rutting and better stability at 60–75 °C compared with conventional binders; details in the Tikrit J. Eng. Sci. study and MDPI 2025 analysis.

• Compliance & integrity: Authorities and partners intensified actions against illicit fuel/oil flows in 2024–2025, which increases scrutiny on provenance and documentation. Context is provided in the U.S. Treasury action (July 3, 2025), Reuters sanctions coverage (Sep 2, 2025), and Reuters investigation (Dec 3, 2024).

Mini-FAQ
Q: How does this affect procurement?
A: Expect stricter documentation checks (origin, CoA matching, seal logs) and buyer preference for suppliers that provide verifiable paperwork and pre-shipment inspection—an area where Petro Naft already operates comfortably.

How do I choose the right Petro Naft grade for my project?

Short answer: Start with climate and traffic, then align with mix design and paving method; choose pen/VG/PG accordingly and specify acceptance tests up front.

Quick chooser

• Urban/provincial roads: Pen 60/70 or VG10.

• Expressways/ports/runways: VG30/VG40 or PMB 25/55-65 / PG 76-10 for rut resistance; performance evidence appears in the MDPI 2025 analysis.

• Prime/tack/seal: MC-30/RC-70 and cationic emulsions (SS/RS/MS); see the MoIM product post (Arabic).

• Roofing/waterproofing: Oxidized/blown with softening points matched to design.

Mini-FAQ
Q: Can you align datasheets with local ministry requirements?
A: Yes—send your project spec; we map to ASTM/EN test methods and Iraqi practice and arrange PG/PMB verification via partner labs when required.

What does a robust QA/QC plan look like in Iraq?

Short answer: Two layers—supplier lab + independent verification—tied to batch IDs and shipping seals, with acceptance ranges agreed before loading.

Typical acceptance tests (abridged)

Mini-FAQ
Q: Do you provide PG-level verification (DSR/BBR)?
A: Yes—full PG testing (including RTFOT/PAV aging) can be added to your acceptance plan and tied to batch IDs for traceability.

What procurement workflow avoids delays?

Short answer: Lock the spec, choose packaging/route, pre-book inspection, and stage transport with a border/port contingency.

7-step workflow (field-tested)

1. Define the design envelope (climate, traffic, mix design). Choose pen/VG/PG accordingly; see the MDPI 2025 analysis for high-temperature considerations.

2. Pick packaging & Incoterm (bulk vs drums/jumbos) to match site handling and schedule.

3. Request datasheet + CoA template (test methods and ranges).

4. Book inspection (optional)—SGS/BV pre-shipment to speed clearance.

5. Plan the route: Erbil → Habur/Ibrahim Khalil or Umm Qasr depending on destination and sailing; border guidance appears in the KRG border notice, and macro context is in the EIA Iraq 2025 brief.

6. Prepare documents (invoice, packing list, MSDS, CoA, origin, insurance).

7. Receive & verify (seal check, arrival sampling, lab match to CoA).

Mini-FAQ
Q: Can Petro Naft stage rolling deliveries for multi-front paving?
A: Yes—staggered dispatches in drums or jumbos are common for contractors running several crews and remote sites.

Executive checklist (print & use)

• Climate, traffic class, and mix design finalized

• Grade chosen: Pen 50/70 or 60/70, VG30/VG40, or PMB/PG

• Packaging: Bulk / Drums / Jumbo; storage/heating plan in place

• CoA template and acceptance ranges agreed (ASTM/EN)

• Optional SGS/BV inspection booked

• Route confirmed (Erbil north / Umm Qasr south); schedule aligned with paving

• Docs ready: Invoice, Packing List, MSDS, CoA, Origin

• Arrival sampling/verification plan shared with the site lab

• Safety & heating procedures briefed to crews

Final Q&A:

1. Which grades are most frequently ordered right now?
   Answer: Pen 50/70 & 60/70, VG10/VG30/VG40, oxidized, cutbacks, emulsions, and PMB/PG binders for high-load corridors. See the Petro Naft Iraq bitumen guide.

2. Is there enough local feedstock for steady supply?
   Answer: Yes. Operating refining capacity reached roughly 1.3 mb/d by mid-2025 following Karbala’s start-up and other upgrades—supporting residues used for asphalt binder. See the EIA Iraq 2025 brief and Karbala launch coverage.

3. Which binder performs best in extreme heat and heavy traffic?
   Answer: PMB/PG binders—especially PG 76-10—demonstrate better rutting and fatigue performance at 60–75 °C in Iraqi studies; see the Tikrit J. Eng. Sci. study and MDPI 2025 analysis.

4. Are emulsions and cutbacks actually manufactured locally?
   Answer: Yes—state industrial entities list MC-30, RC-70, MC-250, prime coat, flintcoat, mastic, and related products; see the MoIM product post (Arabic).

5. Can third-party inspection be arranged pre-shipment?
   Answer: Yes—SGS/BV inspection prior to loading is routine for export orders; procedures are summarized in the Petro Naft Iraq bitumen guide.

6. Which export corridors are most predictable?
   Answer: Ibrahim Khalil/Habur for overland to Turkey/Eastern Med and Umm Qasr for ocean freight; see the KRG border notice and the EIA Iraq 2025 brief.

7. How stable are Iraq’s northern supply routes?
   Answer: Overland flows through the Ibrahim Khalil (Habur) crossing remain the principal outlet for northern exports. The KRG border notice confirms continuous customs operations, while recent Reuters pipeline update and Argus note indicate active coordination for pipeline and trucking flows.

8. What’s happening with the Samawah refinery and its bitumen units?
   Answer: The Samawah complex—under the Midland Refineries Company—has pursued modernisation and additional oxidation capacity. Refurbishment and investment opportunities have been outlined in multiple Iraq investment notices (Arabic), complementing national refinery-expansion plans reported in the EIA Iraq 2025 brief.

9. How is the government addressing illicit fuel and asphalt flows?
   Answer: Enforcement intensified in 2024–2025 through sanctions and joint investigations. The U.S. Treasury action (July 3 2025) targeted entities tied to smuggling networks; follow-ups are detailed in Reuters sanctions coverage (Sep 2 2025) and the Reuters investigation (Dec 3 2024).

10. Why choose Iraq’s Leading Bitumen Producer & Supplier – Petro Naft instead of importing from abroad?
    Answer: Petro Naft combines local production, verified quality, and region-wide logistics, supplying grades already validated by Iraqi research institutions and road authorities. With proven pen/VG/PMB performance (see MDPI 2025 analysis) and integrated Erbil–Basra coverage, Petro Naft offers faster fulfillment, traceable documentation, and assured compliance.

Sources

1. Petro Naft Iraq bitumen guide

2. Karbala launch coverage (Al Arabiya)

3. South Refineries Company official profile

4. Pörner bitumen project references (PDF)

5. KRG asphalt recycling announcement (2023)

6. EIA Iraq 2025 country analysis brief

7. Ministry of Industry & Minerals product post (Arabic)

8. Iraq investment notice – asphalt products (Arabic)

9. Tikrit Journal of Engineering Sciences study

10. MDPI 2025 analysis on Iraqi bitumen performance

11. KRG border notice (2025)

12. Reuters pipeline update (Sept 19 2025)

13. Argus note on pipeline restart (Sept 2025)

14. U.S. Treasury press release (July 3 2025)

15. Reuters sanctions coverage (Sep 2 2025)

16. Reuters investigation (Dec 3 2024)

In summary: Iraq’s modern refining network, led by Karbala, Basra, and private hubs in Erbil, underpins a diversified bitumen supply chain. With performance-grade expertise, verified QA/QC, and stable export logistics, Petro Naft stands as Iraq’s Leading Bitumen Producer & Supplier—ready to deliver consistent quality and documentation for every project stage.