Residents protest fuel shortages and long queues at Basra petrol stations

BASRA, Iraq — Residents of Basra have reported an ongoing fuel supply crisis at state-run and private petrol stations, with long vehicle queues and waits of several hours, particularly at government facilities. At the Ticaret İskelesi state station in the Endülüs neighborhood, heavy congestion built up in the afternoon as motorists waited in extended lines, according to residents. Similar conditions were reported at private stations, where residents said only additive-blended gasoline was being sold due to distribution disruptions, raising questions about whether the product met technical specifications. Limited official allocations have also revived a black market, residents said. They called on Iraq's Oil Products Distribution Company to resolve the crisis and urged authorities to ensure steady, continuous supply at both state and private stations. Basra has faced recurring fuel shortages tied to high vehicle numbers and inadequate supply in past periods, complaints that have resurfaced repeatedly.