Iraq Fuel Shortages Worsen Amid Middle East Conflict

The ongoing conflict in the Middle East has disrupted oil supplies to Iraq, leading to fuel shortages and long queues at gasoline stations. Despite being one of the world's top oil producers, Iraq imports oil derivatives because its refineries cannot meet domestic demand.

Baghdad resident Ibrahim Hashem waited for two hours on Friday without getting any gas, only to return early the next day in hopes of filling his car. 'It is unreasonable that we produce so many barrels of oil a day and still do not have enough gasoline to meet our daily needs,' he said.

Iraq's average daily consumption of gasoline is 33 million litres, but demand rises to 38 million when people panic over shortages, according to authorities. The oil ministry has acknowledged the 'logistical challenges' caused by regional events and the ongoing conflict, which have delayed tanker traffic and the arrival of new shipments at Iraqi ports.

The ministry urged citizens to buy only what they need and avoid crowding fuel stations for small amounts of gasoline. Oil Minister Bassem Mohammed Khudair said his ministry is addressing the 'temporary shortage' and that new shipments will arrive soon to help stabilise supplies.