Irbil fuel crisis deepens as Iran-linked tensions choke petrol supply

Irbil,UPDATED: Jul 28, 2026 21:42 IST

Drivers in Iraq's semiautonomous northern Kurdish region have been waiting for hours, and in some cases overnight, to buy petrol as a fuel crisis tightened its grip on Irbil. Most private petrol stations were shut on Tuesday, with only a few government-run outlets continuing to sell fuel.

The shortage has been linked by authorities to the ongoing conflict involving Iran. Kurdish regional government Prime Minister Masrour Barzani said on Monday that security threats, including drone attacks, had led Dana Gas, the biggest company in northern Iraq, to cut production at its Khor Mor gas field. He also urged the central government in Baghdad to raise the Kurdish region's allocation of crude oil for domestic use from 50,000 barrels a day to about 126,700 barrels to improve supplies and bring down prices.

Iran-backed Iraqi militia groups have carried out several drone strikes targeting American interests across Iraq, while the US has struck militia bases in response to defend its troops. Over the years, a number of Kurdish opposition groups have also taken up arms against the Iranian authorities, with some setting up bases in neighbouring Iraq. Those bases too have come under attack.

Mediators appear to be making progress in efforts to bring the US and Iran back to talks after both sides halted attacks following a period of sharply rising tensions. However, scattered attacks by armed groups have continued.

By 6 am on Tuesday, only a few stations were still dispensing fuel, and queues of cars had stretched so far that some drivers could no longer see the pumps they were waiting for. Many kept their windows slightly open to save every litre left in their tanks, choosing not to use air conditioning despite the intense summer heat. By mid-morning, temperatures had crossed 45 degrees Celsius, and men stood outside their vehicles with sweat-soaked shirts.

"We came at 11:30 p.m. last night," said Twana Mohammed, 43, a biology teacher, who left his car in the queue and returned before dawn. He said he had spent four days searching for fuel. "There's no fuel left in my car," he said. "It will be good if it makes it to the gas station."

At times, the frustration spilled into shouting matches as drivers abandoned single-file queues and formed two or even three lines. Abdullah Hamad, 50, a car dealer, said he had joined a queue at 5 am and was still waiting nearly three hours later. "Every five minutes we move forward a little bit, then turn the engine off, wait for five minutes, and move forward again," he said. He added that the shortage had cost people working hours.

At one of the few stations still operating, attendant Ameen Karwan, 25, said the station had received 36,000 litres of fuel that morning. By the time he spoke, workers had served about 300 vehicles and hoped the remaining supply would be enough for another 700 to 800. For now, he said, each family is limited to one fill-up of 40 litres twice a week.

Drivers said the shortage had worsened after regional authorities ordered lower pump prices, prompting many private stations to stop selling fuel rather than sell it at the mandated rate. Hamad pointed to the contradiction of long fuel queues in an oil-rich country. "Our country is full of oil. Our soil is full of oil," he said. Iraq depends on oil revenues for roughly 90 per cent of its budget.

Hamad said fuel had been expensive in Irbil even before the conflict between the US and Iran led to closures in the crucial Strait of Hormuz waterway. But, he added, "We were even happy with the high price, as long as it's available." The crisis in Irbil has left residents spending long hours in queues as supply remains tight and only a small number of stations continue to operate.

With PTI Inputs

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