At a Glance

• Fuel smuggling investigation launched
• 22 government stations under scrutiny
• 1.92 million liters supplied daily
• Arrests expected in upcoming raids

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Iraqi authorities have launched an investigation into the suspected illegal movement of subsidized fuel from government stations in Kirkuk to markets in the Kurdistan Region.

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Key Statements and Focus Area

• Integrity Commission: Evidence identifying individuals allegedly involved in fuel smuggling has been submitted for legal action.
• Security measures: Iraqi forces and the Energy Police have taken over security at government fuel stations.
• Monitoring: Inspection teams are auditing fuel distribution coupons and station records.
• Enforcement: Authorities are preparing a wider wave of arrests targeting suspected smugglers.

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The Kirkuk office of the Iraqi Commission of Integrity has received evidence identifying individuals allegedly involved in smuggling subsidized gasoline from the province to the Kurdistan Region.

According to the investigation, smugglers obtain fuel from government-run stations and transport it outside Kirkuk for resale at higher prices in markets in the Kurdistan Region.

The files have been referred for legal procedures as authorities investigate the individuals and networks allegedly involved.

The Iraqi Armed Forces and Energy Police have assumed security responsibilities at government fuel stations across Kirkuk as part of efforts to prevent the illegal movement of subsidized fuel.

Soldiers and Energy Police officers have been deployed at fuel distribution points to prevent trucks allegedly being used to transport fuel outside the province.

The Oil Products Distribution Company has begun field inspections of government stations and is reviewing their records and distribution operations.

Inspection teams are also auditing fuel coupons and monitoring daily allocations to identify irregularities and ensure subsidized gasoline remains within Kirkuk.

Authorities are preparing for a wider security operation targeting individuals suspected of involvement in the smuggling network.

The planned arrests are expected to focus on suspects operating through government fuel stations and those involved in illegally transporting subsidized gasoline.

Kirkuk has 22 government-run fuel stations that provide subsidized gasoline to drivers through a coupon-based distribution system.

The province receives approximately 1.92 million liters of subsidized gasoline each day.

Authorities say the significant price difference between subsidized fuel in Kirkuk and prices in private markets in the Kurdistan Region has created an incentive for illegal fuel transfers.

FYI

The investigation comes as Iraqi authorities increase monitoring of subsidized fuel distribution and seek to prevent state-supported petroleum products from being diverted to private markets.

The latest measures combine financial and administrative audits with tighter security at fuel stations, while investigators work to identify individuals allegedly benefiting from the price difference.

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