Iraq Faces Daily Gasoline Deficit of 5 Million Liters
At a Glance
- Iraq faces a daily gasoline supply gap of at least 5 million liters, according to the Oil Ministry.
- The government has used strategic gasoline reserves to help cover shortages.
- Parliament questioned Oil Ministry over the causes of the fuel crisis and measures to address it.
- The shortage comes as Iraq faces disruptions to fuel imports and refinery supply.
Iraq faces a daily gasoline deficit of at least 5 million liters, with the Oil Ministry turning to strategic reserves to cover the gap between domestic production and consumption.
Key Statements and Focus Area
- Fuel deficit: Oil Minister Basim Mohammed Khudair said Iraq needs at least 5 million additional liters of gasoline each day to bridge the gap between domestic production and consumption.
- Strategic reserves: The ministry has relied on strategic gasoline reserves during the current fuel crisis, with reserves reported at around 350 million liters.
Iraq is facing a significant gap between domestic gasoline production and national consumption, prompting the Oil Ministry to seek additional supplies.
Figures presented during the parliamentary discussion indicate that domestic gasoline production is around 28.875 million liters per day, compared with consumption of approximately 34.5 million liters. This leaves a gap of about 5.6 million liters per day.
The Oil Ministry has previously relied on imported high-octane gasoline to supplement domestic production. Channel8 reported earlier this month that Iraq was importing around six million liters of high-octane petrol daily despite increased national refining capacity.
Iraq had maintained strategic gasoline reserves to help stabilize domestic supplies. The use of these reserves has increased pressure on the government to raise refinery output and restore sufficient stocks.
The government had also expected refinery upgrades, including the fluid catalytic cracking unit, to contribute to greater domestic fuel production. Parliament is now pressing the Oil Ministry to accelerate measures aimed at reducing the country's dependence on imported fuel.
The Iraqi Parliament convened to examine the fuel shortage and question the Oil Ministry over the causes of the supply gap.
The session comes after Parliament had placed the domestic fuel crisis on its agenda and scheduled Oil Minister Basim Mohammed Khudair and senior ministry officials to answer lawmakers' questions. The discussions have focused on domestic production, imports, refinery capacity, and the government's response to shortages affecting several Iraqi governorates.
The gasoline shortage is also unfolding amid disruptions affecting fuel imports and shipping through the Strait of Hormuz. Channel8 reported that restrictions on imports have contributed to the gap between domestic gasoline production and consumption, while disruptions to tanker movements have complicated Iraq's fuel and crude oil logistics.
Parliament has consequently called for faster action to strengthen domestic refining capacity and rebuild strategic fuel reserves.
FYI
Iraq's refining capacity has expanded significantly, reaching about 1.12 million barrels per day across 14 operational refineries. However, domestic production remains insufficient to meet demand for higher octane gasoline, leaving the country dependent on imports.
The current fuel crisis has renewed pressure on Baghdad to expand refining capacity, secure imports, and strengthen domestic fuel reserves while addressing disruptions to regional energy supply chains.
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