Despite continuous efforts to protect the capital's environment, rumors about the restart of some illegal refineries in Erbil have once again raised concerns among citizens. In response, relevant authorities have issued stern warnings that such violations will not be tolerated under any circumstances.

Several citizens informed Rudaw that some illegal refineries within Erbil's borders have secretly resumed operations. Regarding this issue, Dilshad Hirani, the Director of the Erbil Environment Office, told Rudaw Media Network on Monday, October 19, 2026: "All illegal refineries are closed, and they are not allowed to operate. Therefore, we deny that any illegal refinery has officially restarted."

Addressing the rumors, the Erbil Environment Director explained: "We have also been informed that two to three illegal refineries have started working, but their locations are unknown, and they operate mostly at night, secretly and by stealth." He urged citizens to notify the authorities whenever they notice an illegal refinery operating so legal action can be taken. He emphasized: "Not only will the refinery be closed, but the owner will also be arrested and face the law."

According to statistics from the Kurdistan Region Environmental Board, up until early last year, there were 153 illegal refineries in the Kurdistan Region; 139 in Erbil and 14 in Duhok. In contrast, there are only three legal, licensed refineries: Kar, Lanaz, and Qaiwan. Previously, the official closure of 85 illegal refineries in Erbil was announced.

Regarding the city's air quality, the Erbil Environment Director noted that Erbil's air has significantly improved compared to the past, adding that the recent haze seen these days is mostly due to dust storms rather than smoke.

Furthermore, the Environment Board announced in August this year that, as part of the "Rounaki" project, 3,689 generators have been turned off, resulting in a daily reduction of 690 tons of carbon dioxide emissions in the air. Concurrently, the greenery ratio has increased from 15% to nearly 20%. Notably, in 2024, the Governor of Erbil issued an official decree banning the operation of any illegal refineries, mandating that those wishing to operate must adhere to legal and environmental guidelines.