Import ban
Tuk-tuk prices surge in Maysan
MAYSAN – The cost of tuk-tuks in Maysan has witnessed a sharp 20% rise following a temporary import halt, with the price of new vehicles reaching 9 million dinars from 7 million dinars just a year ago. This increase comes after more than a dozen importers adjusted their pricing in response to a government directive suspending imports until necessary registrations with the traffic department were finalized.
This price inflation has prompted buyers to consider second-hand options, particularly at the bustling daily market on 60th Street in the heart of Amarah. Hamid Jabbar, a local tuk-tuk driver, reflected on the impact of these economic shifts. “I purchased my tuk-tuk in 2021 following the COVID-19 crisis, finding the venture profitable. I make between 50,000 and 65,000 dinars daily,” he said, highlighting the financial viability of tuk-tuk operations despite the market’s volatility.
Hakim Al-Muhammadawi, an importer, shed light on the dramatic price evolution, stating, “The initial price of a tuk-tuk was 3.25 million dinars, which gradually rose to 7 million dinars.” He further explained the recent spike, “Following the government’s announcement regarding tuk-tuk registration and import suspension, the price of new tuk-tuks in stores climbed to 9 million dinars, exceeding the cost of older cars.”
The market’s dynamics have also been influenced by entrepreneurial efforts, as noted by Samir Hazem. “Together with a group of friends, we established a sales point for tuk-tuks alongside the main road on 60th Street,” Hazem noted, pointing out the growing popularity and accessibility of the market for prospective tuk-tuk buyers.
Echoing the sentiment of market adaptability, Haider Abdul, another seller, discussed the specifics of the used tuk-tuk market. “The prices for used tuk-tuks, registered with the Traffic Department as 2011 models, start at 3.25 million dinars,” Abdul explained, detailing the price increments for newer models and emphasizing the diverse options available to buyers amidst the changing economic landscape.
Tuk-tuks are increasingly becoming a political and social flashpoint in urban Iraq, symbolizing the broader challenges of transportation policy, economic livelihood, and public safety. January protests in Baghdad saw motorcycle and tuk-tuk owners rallying against impoundment and registration issues, underscoring the lack of clear legal frameworks for these vehicles. “The Traffic Directorate doesn’t register tuk-tuks, yet drivers are held accountable on the streets,” stated Amir Al-Ashaqi, a spokesperson for the protesters, highlighting the demand for official recognition and proper licensing.
This backdrop of discontent is compounded by rising incidents of tuk-tuk thefts, notably in Amara Village, prompting owners to adopt GPS tracking systems for security. The thefts have not only led to financial losses for drivers but also instilled a pervasive sense of insecurity within the community.
In Al-Musayyib and Baghdad’s Al-Bayaa district, tuk-tuks are at the center of traffic congestion and safety debates. While some residents call for bans or stricter regulation due to accidents and chaos, others defend tuk-tuks as essential for mobility and economic survival in densely populated areas.