Fuel Crisis Grips Northern Iraq Amid Ongoing Tensions
A severe fuel shortage has crippled life in northern Iraq's Kurdish region after Iranian-linked attacks disrupted energy supplies.
The crisis began when Iran-backed Shiite militias launched drone and missile attacks on Erbil and Sulaymaniyah, prompting energy companies to halt production and stop natural gas supplies to power plants.
As a result, electricity outages have become widespread, with daily supply falling from 24 hours to just five to six hours. Generators that had previously lost operating permits due to environmental concerns are now being used to meet the demand for electricity.
The fuel shortage has also affected bottled gas supplies, with prices rising from $9-$11 per cylinder to $25,000-$30,000 dinars. Gasoline prices have more than doubled, with premium gasoline now selling at 1,900 Iraqi dinars per liter, up from 1,550 dinars.
Energy expert Rebin Samet attributed the crisis to the escalating tensions between Iran and the US, which has prevented chemical materials used in gasoline production from reaching the region. He urged the Kurdish Regional Government (KRG) to waive customs duties on chemicals used in gasoline production and reduce taxes imposed on filling stations.