Iraq’s PM Mohammed al-Sudani issued a directive to the oil ministry on 4 November that was widely circulated by local media instructing it to suspend gasoline, gasoil and kerosene imports. This follows what he called “great efforts over the past three years that resulted in commissioning new oil refineries…and as our production has exceeded local demand.”
Coming just a week ahead of parliamentary elections on 11 November, the directive appears to be politically driven, aimed at overstating the success Mr Sudani’s government has achieved in addressing the politically important issue of gasoline and diesel availability. Sources within Iraq’s oil ministry downplay Mr Sudani’s decision, indicating that it is part of his elections campaign. “We’re closing on self-sufficiency, but this is premature…it’s motivated by elections,” says a senior official. (CONTINUED - 1089 WORDS)
