Baghdad fuel shortage continues as ministry cites foreign company withdrawal

BAGHDAD, Iraq — Fuel shortages have persisted in Baghdad and several Iraqi provinces for about 10 days, with long queues forming at gas stations, according to the local governorate. The governorate attributed the crisis to a decline in central supply from the Ministry of Petroleum over the past 10 days. Officials said they are in intensive contact with the Ministry of Petroleum and the Petroleum Products Distribution Company to resolve the issue. Authorities stated the supply shortage stems from a foreign company withdrawing from a refinery project in southern Iraq due to regional developments, leading to reduced availability. The governorate described the situation as temporary and expected it to end soon. Security forces have been instructed to take action against smugglers and those exploiting the crisis, the statement said.