Iraq suspends household gas app during Arbaeen pilgrimage

BAGHDAD, Iraq — Iraq's Oil Products Distribution Company, under the Ministry of Oil, has temporarily suspended its electronic household cooking gas distribution system to meet demand from Husseini mourning processions during the Arbaeen pilgrimage. The company said the suspension will remain in effect for the duration of the pilgrimage and that the app will resume once the visits conclude. Under the arrangement, Husseini mourning processions will receive cooking gas at the official price set by the Ministry of Oil, as is customary during religious occasions. The electronic fuel card system was introduced on April 6, 2026, after the country faced cooking gas shortages. Under that program, each family is allocated two gas cylinders per month. The company described the latest measure as a temporary arrangement intended to ensure that mourning processions have reliable access to gas cylinders throughout the pilgrimage period.