{
  "id": 5763321,
  "title": "Iraq’s petrol problem deepens as OPEC member hit by Hormuz disruption",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/05/iraqs-petrol-problem-deepens-as-opec-member-hit-by-hormuz-disruption",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-09-05T10:40:42.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Times of India",
    "slug": "times-of-india",
    "url": "https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/world/middle-east/iraqs-petrol-problem-deepens-as-opec-member-hit-by-hormuz-disruption/articleshow/133797363.cms"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Long fuel queues are emerging across Iraq as the country grapples with deeper petrol shortages, aggravated by disruptions in fuel imports caused by ongoing regional conflicts. The crisis is particularly acute in Baghdad and other provinces, where motorists face lengthy waits at petrol stations and some have even closed due to inadequate supplies.\n\nThe situation stems from the broader impact of the regional war on shipping through the crucial Strait of Hormuz, a vital shipping lane for oil and fuel in the Gulf. Reduced tanker traffic has hampered Iraq's ability to secure imported gasoline, pushing petrol stations to rely more heavily on limited domestic supplies.\n\nAccording to Iraq's oil ministry spokesman Salim Al-Rikabi, the nation has had to import gasoline to bridge the gap between domestic production and consumption. However, the security situation has impeded tanker movements and delayed shipments. So far, Iraq has only secured one tanker due to the challenging environment, with the ministry actively seeking additional vessels to maintain daily supplies and bolster strategic reserves.\n\nIraq is a significant crude oil producer but remains reliant on imported refined fuel due to its domestic refineries' inability to produce enough gasoline to meet demand. Domestic gasoline production is estimated at 31-33 million litres per day, while consumption can soar to around 38 million litres, creating a daily shortfall of approximately 5 million litres. The shortfall has been compounded by panic buying, leading to empty shelves at petrol stations.\n\nThe government claims the shortage is temporary and is actively working to secure additional tanker shipments and replenish fuel reserves. Iraq, as an OPEC+ member and a major global crude oil producer, still depends on imported refined fuel because its refineries cannot generate sufficient petrol and diesel to meet domestic demand. The US Energy Information Administration (EIA) reports that Iraq consumed nearly 1.1 million barrels per day of petroleum and other liquids in 2024, yet its refineries produce ample heavy fuel oil but insufficient gasoline and diesel.\n\nDespite recent expansions, such as the 140,000-barrel-per-day Karbala refinery and a 70,000-bpd enhancement at the Basra refinery, Iraq's reliance on petroleum product imports, primarily petrol, remains critical. The International Energy Agency notes that Iraq's product imports have decreased as domestic refining activity has grown, indicating progress toward reducing dependence on foreign fuel. However, the latest disruption has reignited the crisis, leaving motorists and transportation facing significant challenges.",
  "summary": "Iraq is grappling with severe petrol shortages as long lines of vehicles form at fuel stations. Ongoing regional conflicts are hindering essential fuel imports, disrupting tanker movement through the vital Strait of Hormuz. The nation heavily relies on these imports to offset domestic production gaps, leading to panic buying and further complicating supply issues. In response, the government is…",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}