Baghdad generator operator charged double official rate, resident says

BAGHDAD, Iraq — A private generator operator in Baghdad's Dawra neighborhood has been demanding 20,000 dinars per ampere, double the official rate of 10,000 dinars set by the government for July and August, a local resident said. The resident identified the operator as running along Posta Street in Dawra and called on inspection and judicial authorities to intervene against operators exploiting summer demand. The Electricity Ministry and Baghdad Governor's Office set a uniform price of 10,000 dinars per ampere for private generators during July and August and warned that violators would face legal action. Officials said operators who fail to comply would be fined and subjected to prosecution. Demand for private generators has risen sharply as high temperatures and outages strain Baghdad's power grid. Reports indicate some operators have been charging above the official rate, taking advantage of increased need during the peak summer months. No immediate response from the Electricity Ministry or Baghdad Governor's Office to the specific complaint was reported.