Iraq renews debate over public resource waste and corruption allegations

BAGHDAD, Iraq — Debate over the misuse of public funds and corruption allegations in Iraq has resurfaced, with recent reports pointing to billions of dinars reportedly lost or stolen in the oil and electricity sectors. Critics say revenues collected over more than two decades of political activity should have been channeled into power generation, transmission and basic services, yet chronic electricity outages continue across the country. Former Minister of Construction and Housing and former head of the Civil Aviation Authority Benkin Rikani said Baghdad International Airport has five private lounges linked to state and security entities. Rikani, who has resigned his post, alleged the lounges obstruct the application of international standards and that some are used for smuggling. Separately, fuel and energy prices have risen in the Kurdistan Region while basic food costs climbed during the war period, with reports citing gasoline above 1,500 dinars per liter and cooking gas exceeding 25,000 dinars per cylinder in some areas. Citizens say they face unpaid electricity bills, traffic fines and assorted fees, while those accused of corruption have not been held to account and stolen funds have not been recovered. Officials argue that restoring public trust will require genuine accountability and transparency before any new pledges are made. No further details on investigations or enforcement steps were immediately available.