Diesel queues form across Baghdad as demand rises and output falls, expert says

BAGHDAD, Iraq — Long lines formed at fuel stations across Baghdad this week as residents struggled to obtain diesel, an energy specialist said. The squeeze was driven by higher consumption from private generators during the summer months and output declines at several refineries, according to Asim Jihad, an energy expert. Jihad said a government program providing free diesel to private generators had further increased demand, while local refineries have been unable to meet it because of capacity limits and maintenance work. He added that the Oil Ministry has turned to diesel imports to close the gap, calling it a temporary step to keep energy supply stable. Separately, the Iraqi Oil Ministry said it had issued the July diesel quota for rural generators at 45 liters per KVA, acting on instructions from the Prime Minister's Office. The ministry said the Oil Products Distribution Company would deliver the fuel from designated points and that generator owners must run their units on a rotating schedule with the national grid for at least 20 hours a day.