Iraq's Kurdistan Faces Fuel Crisis as Drivers Queue Overnight for Petrol

Drivers across Iraq's Kurdistan Region are still spending hours, and in many cases the whole night, waiting for petrol as a fuel shortage continues to disrupt daily life in Irbil. The crisis began after security threats linked to the Iran conflict forced Dana Gas to cut production at the Khor Mor gas field, a key energy site that supplies fuel to power plants across the region.

Most private petrol stations remain shut, leaving only a few government stations open. Drivers wait in temperatures above 45 degrees Celsius, moving their cars a few metres at a time before switching off their engines to save fuel. Many said they had spent several days searching for petrol.

The Kurdistan Regional Government blamed the shortage on the regional conflict and asked Baghdad to raise its daily crude oil supply for local use from 50,000 barrels to about 126,700 barrels. Authorities have also limited families to 40 litres of petrol per visit, twice a week, to stretch supplies.

Prime Minister Masrour Barzani said security threats, including drone attacks, forced lower production at Khor Mor. The field normally supplies gas for power stations, and the shutdown cut electricity generation across the region while Iraq warned of possible losses to its national grid.

In the latest development, Dana Gas has started gradually restoring production after receiving security assurances from Kurdish and Iraqi authorities. Supplies are expected to improve, but officials say it will take time before fuel reaches normal levels.

Many drivers also blamed government price controls for keeping private stations closed, saying they would rather pay more than face endless queues in one of the world's biggest oil-producing countries.