Iraq Ministry of Oil Expects Gasoline Shortage to Ease Next Week

BAGHDAD, Iraq — Iraq's Ministry of Oil announced Tuesday that the country's gasoline shortage is expected to end next week, with fuel shipments arriving within days. The ministry said the supply disruption was caused by a drop in production at one of the main units of the Shuaiba refinery in Basra province. Production capacity decreased after foreign personnel left the facility in line with security standards, according to the statement. The ministry said regional conflict and the closure of the Strait of Hormuz contributed to a global energy crisis that prevented Iraq from importing additional gasoline. The ministry said it was working to source high-octane gasoline from a neighboring country, with shipments expected to reach Iraq within the coming week. The statement said some public fuel stations have been directed to operate around the clock, and authorities appealed to citizens to remain calm and avoid gathering at filling stations.