Iraq Official Alleges Mismanagement of Oil Pipeline Funds and Health Procurement

Ahmed es-Saadi of the National Hikma Movement has raised concerns over the failure to advance a critical alternative oil pipeline despite the allocation of $500 million in Chinese funding. The stalled project, intended to run from Basra through Haditha, Sharqat, and Khabur to Ceyhan, has reportedly seen no physical progress. Es-Saadi further noted that technical and structural damage from previous conflicts remains unresolved on the Sharqat-Kirkuk-Ceyhan line. These unresolved issues prevent Iraq from utilizing an urgent export alternative during a period when oil revenues are vital for the national budget. While the Council of Ministers amended a May 5 decision to grant a steel company flexibility in using external production channels for the Basra-Haditha line, the official stated that oil transport via land remains limited. Beyond energy infrastructure, es-Saadi alleged significant price discrepancies in Ministry of Health procurement. He cited documentation showing a single type of medical device was purchased for 41 million Iraqi dinars for El-Shu'ala Hospital, while the same equipment cost 180 million Iraqi dinars for El-Jawadain Hospital.