KRG Oil Transfer Required for Baghdad Fuel Distribution Extension

Baghdad is willing to extend its fuel distribution system to Iraqi Kurdistan if the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) requests it and transfers 50,000 barrels of crude oil allocated for local consumption. According to Ali Hama Saleh, secretary of the Kurdistan Al-Mawqif (Position) Movement, this would be contingent on a formal request from the KRG.

The fuel shortages in Iraqi Kurdistan have been attributed by Saleh to 'the interests and profits of companies affiliated with political parties.' He noted that the movement had discussed the crisis with the federal Finance and Oil Ministries, which offered to compensate refineries in Iraqi Kurdistan for processing crude oil. The Ministry estimates daily demand at 126,700-140,000 barrels, compared to the current supply of roughly 50,000 barrels.

Fuel shortages have disrupted supplies across Iraqi Kurdistan despite price controls implemented by the KRG. Subsidized regular gasoline sells for 750 Iraqi dinars ($0.57) per liter, while commercial gasoline is capped at 850 dinars ($0.65). However, many filling stations continue to receive limited deliveries.