Baghdad – INA
The Ministry of Oil denied on Wednesday the existence of a gasoline shortage, indicating that there are significant strategic reserves of up to 100 million liters.
The ministry's official spokesperson, Sahib Bazoun, told the Iraqi News Agency (INA): "Sometimes rumors circulate about a crisis in petroleum products."
He added, "There is no crisis; rather, there is increased demand." He explained that "there are profiteers trying to create a crisis, and we have confirmed that there is no crisis."
He pointed out that "there is no crisis in petroleum products, including gasoline," emphasizing that "gasoline is available, and we have a significant strategic reserve of approximately 100 million liters."
He noted that "current production is around 32 million liters," adding that "consumption has increased slightly by about 1.5-2 million liters for many reasons, including the Eid holiday."
He affirmed that "the government, in coordination with the oil sector leadership, is determined to stabilize the supply of petroleum products," urging the government to "work on reducing or regulating the import of high-consumption gasoline-powered vehicles while simultaneously promoting public transportation."
He added, "There are numerous problems with the number of cars on the roads," explaining that "public transportation would alleviate many of these issues."
He reassured Iraqis, stating, "There is no crisis, but rather an increasing demand for gasoline," and emphasizing that "gas stations are operating normally in Baghdad and the provinces."
