Group vows to protest against government’s fuel price hike

BAGHDAD – The Iraqi protest movement known as Nazel Aakhed Haqqi [I’m here to claim my rights] has openly voiced its opposition to the recent decision by the Iraqi government to raise the prices of premium gasoline, asserting its readiness to mobilize citizens against the decision.

In a statement issued on Thursday, the movement underscored its willingness to return to protest squares, urging the government to retract the fuel price adjustments to alleviate the burdens on citizens’ livelihoods.

This week, the Iraqi government decided to increase gasoline prices, with premium gasoline rising to 850 dinars per liter (approximately 60 cents) and super gasoline to 1250 dinars (about 90 cents) per liter, effective from May 1, 2024.

Critiquing the government’s move as a perpetuation of past administrations’ “erratic” policies, the statement drew parallels to previous instances such as fluctuations in the dollar-dinar exchange rate on the black market, unkept pledges to combat corruption, economic betterment, and pre-Ramadan price escalations.

According to the movement, these actions pose tangible obstacles to the welfare and dignity of the Iraqi populace.

Amid persistent public dissatisfaction with the government’s ethno-sectarian quota system and two decades of mismanagement, Nazel Aakhed Haqqi anticipates a potential surge in popular mobilization triggered by this decision.

The movement affirmed its dedication to advocating for social justice and combating corruption, pledging to persist in peaceful protests to assert rights as guaranteed by the constitution and law.