Iraq Oil Ministry Attributes Gasoline Shortage to Foreign Company's Exit

BAGHDAD, Iraq — Iraq's Oil Ministry confirmed a nationwide gasoline shortage, attributing the supply crunch to regional developments and a foreign company's withdrawal from a critical project at the Southern Refineries. The ministry said the company departed due to security concerns, leaving an unfinished Fluid Catalytic Cracking unit that had been supplying high-octane gasoline. The ministry reported that the company's exit reduced daily gasoline production by between 4 million and 5 million liters. Iraq's refineries normally produce approximately 30 million liters of gasoline per day. Consumption, however, has surged above typical levels. Daily demand rose to 34 million liters during Eid al-Adha and the associated religious pilgrimage season. On Wednesday, consumption hit 35 million liters, surpassing the previous record of 32 million liters. The ministry said refineries are operating at full capacity and working to meet demand using existing stockpiles.