Shafaq News- Baghdad
Complaints over fuel quality and the availability of premiumgasoline are growing among Iraqi motorists, with mechanics reporting anincrease in vehicle malfunctions and repair costs.
Government sources told Shafaq News on Sunday that fuelshipments undergo laboratory testing before distribution, with samples checkedfor compliance with technical standards, including octane levels. Authoritiesalso conduct inspections at filling stations, while the Ministry of Oil andIraq’s Standardization and Quality Control Authority carry out regular andsurprise checks to ensure fuel quality.
According to mechanics, low-grade fuel can cause prematurecombustion, commonly known as engine knocking, which may damage internal enginecomponents. The resulting pressure can lead to cracked or melted pistons, whileincomplete combustion leaves carbon deposits on valves and spark plugs,reducing engine performance and increasing fuel consumption.
Mishaal Al-Kinani, who owns a vehicle repair workshop inBaghdad, told our agency that the number of vehicles arriving for repairs hasincreased since temperatures began rising this season. “Most of the vehiclemalfunctions we are seeing are linked to low-grade gasoline,” he remarked,adding that the regular gasoline available at fuel stations lacks efficiencyand that common problems include reduced engine power and failures affectingfuel injection systems and fuel vaporizers.
However, Hussein Talib, Director General of the StateCompany for Oil Products Distribution, denied any shortages and confirmed thatall grades of gasoline remain available at fuel stations across Iraq,attributing congestion at stations to increased demand during the holidayperiod.