Iraqi MPs seek clarification over gasoline price hike

ERBIL (Kurdistan 24) – Several Iraqi parliamentarians are attempting to summon both Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani and Minister of Oil Hayan Abdul-Qani to provide clarification regarding the recent price hike of super and improved types of gasoline.

In a statement signed by 17 MPs and directed to the presidency of the parliament, the signatories have expressed their concerns over the potential increase in the price of regular gasoline.

The parliamentarians highlighted that an increase in the price of regular gasoline would impact Iraqi people’s expenditures and lead to an increase in the prices of all goods in the market.

The MPs also pointed out that there is an item in the federal budget for 2023, 2024, and 2025 that has not been voted on by the parliament.

They further demanded the reopening of the Karbala and Baiji refineries to increase domestic production and support the national economy.

On November 26, the Iraqi Council of Ministers decided to increase the price of gasoline by about 30 percent, raising the price of improved gasoline from 650 to 850 dinars per liter and the price of super from 1,000 dinars to 1,250 dinars.

Residents of Basra gathered in front of the governor's office on Wednesday night demanding a reduction in gasoline prices and the dismissal of foreign workers.