Iraq fuel agency rejects claims of substandard generator kerosene

BAGHDAD, Iraq — Iraq's Petroleum Products Organization has dismissed reports that kerosene distributed free of charge to households for use in generators is of poor quality, saying the product meets required technical standards. The agency said the distribution process is carried out transparently and that no quality issues have been identified with the kerosene it supplies. The denial comes as Baghdad faces increased power outages, pushing residents to rely heavily on private generators during blackouts. The agency said free kerosene allocations are made according to set criteria. Officials urged the public to disregard misleading information circulating about the distributed fuel. The agency added that the kerosene undergoes laboratory testing and that quality controls are maintained on a regular basis. Citizen complaints regarding the distributed product, the agency said, will be examined carefully. No further details on the volume of kerosene distributed or the criteria for allocation were immediately provided.