Kurdistan Region government approves gasoline imports to ease supply gap

ERBIL, Iraq — The Kurdistan Regional Government’s Ministry of Natural Resources has authorized gasoline imports to address a supply shortfall and curb rising fuel prices in the region. The ministry ordered border crossings and checkpoints to provide continuous facilitation for fuel tankers entering the provinces. Acting Minister Kamal Mohammed Saleh said shipments must meet the quality and inspection standards set by the ministry. He did not specify which companies would handle the imports or provide a timeline for arrivals. Gasoline prices in the Kurdistan Region have risen sharply in recent months, a trend economic circles have linked to fluctuations in global markets, transport costs and supply difficulties. The regional government has been working to expand supply by bringing the private sector into the import process. No further details on import volumes or supplier arrangements were immediately available.