Iraq Oil Ministry says gasoline shortage will ease within days

BAGHDAD, Iraq — Iraq's Oil Ministry said a temporary supply gap between gasoline demand and available stock caused shortages at filling stations across Baghdad and other cities, and that the disruption would be resolved within days. Ministry spokesman Salim Rekabi attributed the shortfall to the late arrival of an imported tanker carrying improved gasoline, which delayed cargo discharge at the port. Once the vessel docks and unloading begins, fuel shipments will be distributed to stations, Rekabi said. The ministry is working to limit the impact on citizens while the cargo is processed, he added. Rekabi urged the public not to crowd fuel stations, denying that the country faces a fuel crisis and saying the issue would be addressed as quickly as possible.