Iraq raises Diyala's fuel quota, official says

BAGHDAD, Iraq — Iraq's Oil Ministry has approved an increase in the fuel quota for Diyala province, the head of the province's product distribution branch, Izzat al-Abbadi, said at a press conference in Baghdad. Monitoring teams have been set up to oversee distribution of the higher allocation and reduce congestion at filling stations, al-Abbadi said. Al-Abbadi rejected the existence of a fuel crisis in Diyala, saying supplies were available and that the increase was meant to address a shortfall in the province's allocation. Field tours have been carried out to ensure regular distribution, particularly at state-run stations, he added. According to al-Abbadi, the province had been receiving 1.2 million liters per day against a daily need of 1.5 million liters, leaving a gap of around 300,000 liters that the new approval is intended to close. Diyala is currently served by 22 state-run stations and more than 80 private ones, and a plan has been drawn up to establish additional state stations in various areas to keep pace with population growth and the rising number of vehicles.