Iraqi Oil Minister Says Gasoline Shortage Being Addressed
Bassem al-Abadi says additional gasoline shipments are expected soon as authorities work to stabilize fuel supplies and meet domestic demand.
ERBIL (Kurdistan24) - Iraqi Oil Minister Bassem Mohammed Khudair al-Abadi said Friday that operational teams are working around the clock to secure citizens’ full needs for petroleum products, as a temporary gasoline shortage at some outlets is being addressed and additional shipments are expected to arrive soon.
Al-Abadi made the remarks during an evening meeting of the crisis cell, attended by ministry undersecretaries, advisers and directors general of oil-sector formations, to review developments in petroleum supplies and ensure stability in the domestic market.
The minister said the temporary shortage of gasoline is being addressed and that additional shipments will arrive soon, helping stabilize supplies and meet citizens’ needs.
He said gasoline consumption averages around 33 million liters per day, rising to approximately 38 million liters daily when public concern leads to increased demand.
The Oil Ministry is continuously monitoring supply and distribution movements and taking the necessary measures to secure petroleum products and strengthen stability in the local market, according to a statement from the ministry’s media office.
Al-Abadi also said the ministry had achieved important progress in developing the oil sector during the government’s first 100 days, through projects and plans aimed at increasing oil production, strengthening export capacity and developing public revenues.
He said crude oil exports stood at around 250,000 barrels per day when the government was tasked with forming, while crude oil production has now exceeded 3 million barrels per day.
The minister said the ministry would continue developing the extraction, refining, distribution and gas sectors while maximizing the benefit of Iraq’s oil wealth.
Al-Abadi stressed the importance of continuing efforts to secure citizens’ needs and increase public revenues in ways that support the budget and strengthen the national economy.
He also said the new economic model for the refining and distribution sectors would not affect employees’ entitlements, emphasizing that their rights and dues are a “red line.”