Iraqi parliament committee backs measures to ease fuel shortage in Kurdistan Region

BAGHDAD, Iraq — A member of Iraq's parliamentary Oil, Gas and Natural Resources Committee said an agreement exists under which 50,000 barrels of oil per day would be allocated from the Kurdistan Region's output to meet local fuel needs. Committee member Sibhan Shirwani said the deal was reached between the federal government, the Kurdistan Regional Government and foreign companies operating in the region. Shirwani said the committee decided on Thursday to host the Kurdistan Region's Natural Resources Minister to discuss implementing the agreement and ensuring residents' access to petroleum products. The session is expected to include Iraq's federal Oil Minister or a representative, alongside the Kurdish minister or his representative. Shirwani added that the committee would not oppose any federal Oil Ministry decision addressing the sharp rise in fuel prices in Kurdistan, provided such decisions remain within the constitutional framework and protect the rights and interests of the region's population. The Kurdistan Region, particularly Erbil and Duhok, has faced gasoline shortages since mid-last month, with long vehicle queues reported at many stations despite a regional government decision to cut prices.