Baghdad and several governorates are facing a renewed fuel crisis, marked by gridlock and closure of dozens of petrol stations just two weeks after a previous shortage eased.
Salim Al-Rikabi, spokesperson for the Iraqi Ministry of Oil, attributed the bottleneck to domestic production failing to match consumption demands, coupled with severe shipping delays of imported high-octane petrol. He explained that heightened security risks and logistical turmoil in the Strait of Hormuz have slowed maritime tanker deliveries to Iraqi ports.
To mitigate the shortfall, the ministry is deploying additional tankers to ensure consistent supply and bolster strategic reserves. Dismissing rumors of administrative breakdown, Al-Rikabi reassured the public that domestic refineries remain fully operational, urging motorists to refrain from panic buying as supply lines are set to recover shortly.
