Anbar says free generator fuel covers July, August only

BAGHDAD, Iraq — The Anbar provincial government clarified on Saturday that a Cabinet decision to provide free kerosene to private electricity generators does not apply to June and covers only July and August. Government spokesperson Muwaiid al-Dulaimi said the decision does not require generators to shut down for four hours, and that daily operating hours cannot fall below 20. Responding to public criticism over June tariff prices, al-Dulaimi said the national power grid supplies electricity to all areas of Anbar for no less than six hours a day, and that generator owners must comply with the rules. The free kerosene distribution began on June 29, and al-Dulaimi said the provincial oil directorate will need at least two weeks to complete the monthly allocation of 32 million liters. Al-Dulaimi said a smart-meter project launched under the direction of the Anbar governor is the most effective solution, with meters set to automatically program operating hours and transmit data directly to control centers. The project has been fully completed in the town of Ana and surrounding areas, as well as in the subdistricts of Muhammadi and Kabisa, while Ramadi has reached 50 percent completion. Officials aim to finish the rollout across the province within the next two months.