Diyala Province Considers Coupon System to Combat Fuel Crisis

BAQUBA, Iraq — Feras al-Jubouri, Chairman of the Energy Commission of the Diyala Provincial Council, announced plans to expand a fuel coupon system across the province to address an ongoing gasoline shortage and prevent smuggling. The system is currently operational in the districts of Khanaqin and Karatash. Under these regulations, private vehicle owners are entitled to 40 liters of gasoline every three days, while taxi drivers are permitted double that amount. The fuel shortage has persisted in Diyala for approximately three months, forcing thousands of residents to travel to Baghdad to secure gasoline. Oil Ministry Spokesperson Suleiman al-Rikabi stated that the ministry is prioritizing the crisis and working to resolve the situation at filling stations. The ministry previously attributed the shortage to regional developments and the withdrawal of a foreign company from a southern refinery project due to security concerns. Current daily production is approximately 30 million liters, while consumption has reached 34-35 million liters, creating a supply deficit.