Erbil, Sulaymaniyah move to fixed fuel prices under Kurdistan Region decision

ERBIL, Iraq — The Kurdistan Regional Government's decision to introduce fixed fuel prices drew backing from station owners in Sulaymaniyah, where fuel stations spokesman Behmen Kadir said operators welcomed the move and wanted the system implemented in a way that benefits citizens. Kadir rejected reports that some stations had refused to comply, saying a fixed-price structure must still leave station owners a reasonable margin. Erbil Governor Omid Khoshnaw said all 280 fuel stations in the city have aligned with the new pricing schedule. Speaking at a press conference, Khoshnaw said the price of regular gasoline has been reduced to 850 Iraqi dinars per liter, while subsidized gasoline continues to be distributed daily at 750 dinars per liter. Khoshnaw said the decision, issued by the Council of Ministers and the Ministry of Natural Resources, is binding on all sellers and distributors, with Natural Resources directorates responsible for price and quality inspections. Despite the new measures, an agency correspondent reported that some commercial stations in the region continue to sell regular gasoline for 1,300 dinars per liter, improved gasoline for 1,500 to 1,650 dinars and super gasoline for 1,700 to 2,000 dinars.