Baghdad private generator crisis: ministry warns of cuts in September

BAGHDAD, Iraq — Concerns over possible power outages in Baghdad from private generators are mounting as September approaches, with the Oil Ministry confirming continued fuel support for the sector. Ministry spokesperson Selim al-Rikabi said fuel allocated to private generators is distributed free of charge through branches of the Oil Products Distribution Company. Al-Rikabi said the monthly allocation per kVA was raised in July from 20 liters to 45 liters and remains in effect for August. He denied reports that the ministry has applied retroactive taxes on generator owners since 2024, noting that tax collection authority lies with the General Tax Authority within the Ministry of Finance. Monitoring of whether generators are operating, he added, falls under the responsibility of provincial councils. The Baghdad Governorate has set new rules to regulate private generator operations and organize kerosene allocations. A meeting on implementing Cabinet Decision No. 319 of 2026 determined that generator owners will receive 45 liters of kerosene per kVA per month, run in parallel with the national grid for at least 12 hours, and supply citizens with a minimum of 20 hours of electricity. Proposals to open official fuel stations on the Karkh and Rusafa sides and to exempt generator owners from certain taxes and fees were forwarded to the relevant authorities. Separately, the Cabinet decided to extend the tax reconciliation deadline for private generator owners to November 1. No further details on the fuel allocations or the September outlook were immediately available.