Iraqi asphalt plant owners protest outside Oil Ministry over fuel shortages

BAGHDAD, Iraq — Owners of asphalt factories gathered outside the Oil Ministry in Baghdad to protest delays in heavy fuel supply, saying their plants meet all required conditions but have faced repeated shortfalls from the ministry. The factory owners said products made from heavy fuel are exported abroad and used domestically for road paving and generator fuel. They reported financial strain over the past year, estimating losses of around 3 billion Iraqi dinars, and called on the Prime Minister and the ministers of oil and industry to intervene as heavy fuel prices rise. According to the protesters, Iraq has 230 asphalt factories operating nationwide, but no dedicated fuel quota has been allocated to the sector. The owners are demanding continuous and discounted fuel allocations for their plants. No immediate response from the Oil Ministry was reported.