Baghdad's Iraq Mall warns of shutdown within 48 hours over power crisis

BAGHDAD, Iraq — Iraq Mall, one of Baghdad's largest commercial and investment complexes, could halt operations within 48 hours unless it secures a stable electricity supply, the management said. The warning comes as the mall struggles with severe power disruptions that have forced it to rely entirely on backup generators. The complex employs around 20,000 people whose families depend directly on the economic activity generated by the mall. Management said two transformers imported specifically for the project have arrived at Iraqi ports, but installation remains stalled due to bureaucratic delays between the Electricity Ministry and municipal authorities, despite all required permits having been obtained. Running large diesel generators on fuel sourced outside official channels costs the mall about 50 million dinars per day, a figure the management described as financially unsustainable. Officials at the complex have called on the Prime Minister to intervene and expedite the transformer installation to protect workers' livelihoods and maintain commercial stability in Baghdad. No further details on the government's response were immediately available.