Shafaq News- Baghdad
Iraq's Oil Ministry on Thursday attributed the shortfall ingasoline supplies to regional developments and the withdrawal of a foreigncompany from a key project at southern refineries, resulting in the loss ofbetween 4 million and 5 million liters of high-octane gasoline per day.
The ministry explained that gasoline production currentlystands at around 30 million liters per day, while consumption has risen to 34million liters, driven by the Eid Al-Adha holiday and religious pilgrimageseasons.
"Refineries are operating at full capacity whileauthorities draw on available reserves to meet demand," the ministrynoted, adding that gasoline consumption hit a record 35 million liters on June3, up from a previous peak of 32 million liters per day before the recentregional tensions.
Meanwhile, Oil Minister Bassem Al-Abadi issued an order onWednesday appointing Salim Farhoud Hussein, director of the Economic StudiesDepartment, as the ministry's new official spokesperson. The move replacesSahib Bazoon, who was relieved of his duties earlier the same day, according toan official document reviewed by Shafaq News.
The ministry had previously denied reports of a gasolineshortage, attributing congestion at filling stations to increased consumptionduring the summer heat and maintaining that domestic production exceeded dailydemand. However, sources told Shafaq News that the detention of Deputy OilMinister for Refining Affairs Adnan Al-Jumaili in a corruption investigationmay have contributed to supply disruptions, with some northern refineriesreportedly slowing or suspending fuel shipments following the Eid Al-Adhaholiday.
Earlier today, Iraq's High Commission for Human Rights(IHCHR) urged authorities to take urgent measures to address fuel shortages andlong queues at filling stations, calling for stronger domestic production andexpanded refining capacity.