Iraq’s Electricity Sector In Summer Crisis Mode

15 May 2026 Issue: 69 / 20 By: Yesar Al-Maleki

Iraq is entering the peak summer demand period with its electricity sector under unprecedented strain due to the Hormuz crisis. Iranian imports are restricted, and plans to import LNG and Gulf electricity supplies are receding.

Iraq’s electricity sector is in dire straits. The country faces a perilous summer due to the financial and geopolitical upheaval unleashed by the Middle East conflict. Widespread blackouts look inevitable. Upstream field shut-ins following the closure of the Strait of Hormuz have slashed associated gas production, Iranian imports are down to a trickle and plans to import LNG and 500MW of power from the Gulf states are no longer viable this summer.

The electricity ministry is already ringing the alarm bell, warning of acute blackouts in coming weeks as the heat drives up air conditioning usage and electricity demand. It forecasts that electricity demand will peak at a new record of 62GW this summer, up 15% on last year’s record 54GW, and more than double what Iraq has ever managed to supply. (CONTINUED - 2074 WORDS)