Iraq Oil Ministry Blames Strait of Hormuz Tensions for Fuel Crisis, Urges Calm

The Iraqi Ministry of Oil has attributed the renewed fuel shortages and long queues at petrol stations across Baghdad and several provinces to a structural deficit between domestic production and consumption, compounded by import delays caused by regional instability.

Ministry spokesperson Salim Al-Rikabi stated that ongoing geopolitical friction in the region and security risks in the Strait of Hormuz have disrupted maritime tanker schedules, delaying shipments of imported high-octane gasoline to Iraqi ports. To counter the deficit, the ministry is expanding its shipping contracts to stabilize daily supplies and replenish strategic reserves.

Refuting claims of operational shutdowns, the ministry confirmed that national refineries continue to function normally. Officials urged the public to avoid panic buying and refrain from stocking extra fuel, reassuring citizens that supply flow will normalize shortly.