Baghdad's Kerosene Shortage Worsens Amid Summer Demand Surges

A severe kerosene shortage is gripping Baghdad as fuel queues grow longer by the day. According to energy specialist Asem Jihad, domestic demand has surged due to private neighborhood generators consuming more fuel during the summer months.

The government's decision to supply kerosene free of charge to these generators has exacerbated the issue, as it meets the needs of other sectors reliant on the fuel while also raising overall demand. As a result, refineries are struggling to meet this increased requirement, with some units undergoing maintenance and contributing to the shortfall.

To address the crisis, the Ministry of Oil is importing kerosene to sustain supply to private generators and local markets. This is seen as a temporary measure until domestic refinery output increases and projects to develop the refining sector are completed.