Shafaq News..Regional tensions delay Iraq gasoline imports

Shafaq News- Baghdad

The conflict between Iran and the United States has
disrupted tanker movements and delayed gasoline shipments to Iraqi ports,
worsening fuel station queues caused by a gap between domestic production and
consumption, the Oil Ministry spokesperson said on Friday.

Salim Al-Rikabi said the ministry imports higher-grade
gasoline to supplement domestic production and had contracted one tanker, with
plans to use additional vessels to meet daily fuel demand and bolster strategic
reserves.

He also dismissed claims that the shortages were caused by
mismanagement of the refining and distribution sector, saying refineries were
operating normally and supplies were expected to improve soon.

Al-Rikabi urged motorists to buy only what they need and
avoid stockpiling fuel, saying increased demand was contributing to longer
lines at filling stations.

Baghdad and several other Iraqi provinces have faced renewed
shortages of gasoline and gasoil, which is widely used by larger vehicles.
Shafaq News correspondents reported that dozens of fuel stations had closed for
reasons that were not immediately clear, while long lines formed at stations
that remained open, contributing to traffic congestion in the capital.