Iraq to stop importing fuel after reaching self-sufficiency, PM says - Assalamu Alaikum
Assalamu Alaikum - Iraq's Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al Sudani announced that the country will stop importing oil products like gasoline, diesel, and kerosene after reaching self-sufficiency. He said new refineries and increased hydrocarbons production over the past three years have pushed domestic output beyond local demand, so he ordered a halt to imports and asked the Oil Products Distribution Company to manage local consumption and send the surplus for export.
Iraq still faces a long-running electricity shortfall. Even though it's OPEC’s second-largest producer, the country relies on Iran for roughly a third of its power. Installed capacity was about 27,000 MW last year, but summer demand often tops 45,000 MW, causing rolling blackouts during peak heat when temperatures can exceed 50°C in the south.
Situations like the US decision not to renew a waiver that had allowed Iraq to buy electricity from Iran, plus Iran cutting gas supplies this year, made the problem worse and knocked about 4,000 MW off the grid in July. To cope, Iraq signed an emergency deal to bring two floating power plants off Basra and also agreed with international firms to build thousands of megawatts of new capacity - deals that were described as worth billions at signing.
Iraq has also signed major energy deals with international companies for integrated projects, is expanding regional electricity links with Jordan, the Gulf states and Turkey, and aims to add 7,000 MW of renewable energy by 2030.
May Allah make these projects successful and grant relief to the people facing blackouts. Peace and blessings.
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