Muthanna Province Attributes Fuel Shortage to Reduced Central Allocations

BAGHDAD, Iraq — The local government of Muthanna province said Friday that a fuel shortage affecting the region stems from a drop in fuel allocations from the central government over the past 10 days. Governor Muthannad al-Utaybi has placed the issue under his direct supervision and is maintaining intensive contact with the Ministry of Oil and the Petroleum Products Distribution Company, according to the statement. The reduction in distribution volumes has affected fuel station supplies and caused the reported congestion. The local government ordered security forces and inspection units to take necessary measures against illegal trading and those attempting to profit from the crisis. The Ministry of Oil has said it is strengthening imported gasoline shipments to boost national reserves, with distribution bottlenecks expected to ease gradually. Authorities urged residents to remain cautious about unverified reports and to avoid excessive stockpiling. Officials said they would continue monitoring the situation around the clock until distribution returns to normal.