Prime Minister Barzani Says KRG Working to Ease Fuel Pressures, Urges Baghdad to Increase Oil Allocation

ERBIL (Kurdistan24) - Kurdistan Region Prime Minister Masrour Barzani said Sunday that the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) is taking steps to address rising fuel prices while urging Baghdad to provide the Region's full fuel allocation amid ongoing regional instability.

Speaking at a press conference on Monday, Prime Minister Barzani said regional tensions continue to affect the Kurdistan Region economically, including through higher gasoline prices following the closure of the Strait of Hormuz.

Prime Minister Barzani said the KRG has formally requested that the Iraqi federal government provide the Kurdistan Region's allocated share of fuel. He noted that the Region currently receives 50,000 barrels of oil per day for domestic consumption and called on Baghdad to supply an additional 70,000 barrels as part of the Kurdistan Region's entitlement.

To address the immediate fuel situation, Prime Minister Barzani said the KRG has instructed the Ministry of Natural Resources to review gasoline prices and develop an appropriate solution.

The prime minister also said recent regional developments have reduced the Kurdistan Region's domestic revenues and urged Baghdad to reconsider its decision regarding a 120-billion-dinar transfer, adding that the KRG has fulfilled its obligations to the federal government concerning public-sector salaries.

Prime Minister Barzani reaffirmed the KRG's commitment to completing the Runaki (Light) project to provide 24-hour electricity across the Kurdistan Region. He added that reduced operations at the Khor Mor gas field had temporarily lowered gas supplies and electricity generation but said efforts are underway to increase gas production in the coming days.

He also called on political parties to accelerate the formation of the next Kurdistan Regional Government cabinet.

This is a developing story.