Mechanics link poor gasoline quality to increase in vehicle repairs across Iraq – Shafaq News

Shafaq News- Baghdad

Complaints over fuel quality and the availability of premium
gasoline are growing among Iraqi motorists, with mechanics reporting an
increase in vehicle malfunctions and repair costs.

Government sources told Shafaq News on Sunday that fuel
shipments undergo laboratory testing before distribution, with samples checked
for compliance with technical standards, including octane levels. Authorities
also conduct inspections at filling stations, while the Ministry of Oil and
Iraq’s Standardization and Quality Control Authority carry out regular and
surprise checks to ensure fuel quality.

According to mechanics, low-grade fuel can cause premature
combustion, commonly known as engine knocking, which may damage internal engine
components. The resulting pressure can lead to cracked or melted pistons, while
incomplete combustion leaves carbon deposits on valves and spark plugs,
reducing engine performance and increasing fuel consumption.

Mishaal Al-Kinani, who owns a vehicle repair workshop in
Baghdad, told our agency that the number of vehicles arriving for repairs has
increased since temperatures began rising this season. “Most of the vehicle
malfunctions we are seeing are linked to low-grade gasoline,” he remarked,
adding that the regular gasoline available at fuel stations lacks efficiency
and that common problems include reduced engine power and failures affecting
fuel injection systems and fuel vaporizers.

However, Hussein Talib, Director General of the State
Company for Oil Products Distribution, denied any shortages and confirmed that
all grades of gasoline remain available at fuel stations across Iraq,
attributing congestion at stations to increased demand during the holiday
period.