Iraq Suffers Petrol Shortage as Regional Conflict Hits Supply Routes

Petrol queues have returned to Iraq as regional conflict disrupts supply routes. Despite being OPEC's second-largest oil producer, Iraq imports oil derivatives because its refineries do not produce enough gasoline to meet domestic demand.

The country's average daily consumption of gasoline is 33 million litres, but demand rises to 38 million when people panic over shortages, according to authorities.

Iraq's Oil Minister Bassem Mohammed Khudair said that the ministry was addressing the 'temporary shortage of gasoline' and that new shipments will arrive soon to help stabilise supplies.