Iraqis Queue for Fuel as Regional War Disrupts Supplies

Long lines of drivers formed outside fuel stations in Baghdad as gasoline supplies dwindled due to import disruptions caused by regional war. Iraq, OPEC's second-largest oil producer, imports oil derivatives because its refineries can't meet domestic demand.

Baghdad resident Ibrahim Hashem waited two hours for fuel on Friday without success and returned early the next day hoping to fill his car. 'It is unreasonable that we produce so many barrels of oil a day yet still don't have enough gasoline,' he said outside a central Baghdad station.

The oil ministry attributed the shortage to regional events and ongoing conflict causing logistical challenges for tanker traffic, delaying their arrival at Iraqi ports. It urged citizens to buy only necessary quantities and avoid crowding fuel stations.