Muthanna
Fuel scarcity in Samawa Desert irks local Bedouins, tourists
MUTHANNA — Extending toward the Saudi Arabian border, the vast stretches of the Samawa Desert in Muthanna governorate lack fuel stations, not only within the desert itself—unsurprising given its remoteness and sparse population—but also along the routes leading to it. This absence impacts local tourists, nomadic Bedouins, and shepherds who struggle to fill up enough fuel during journeys.
Soud Al-Ajajibi, a Bedouin resident, spoke with 964media about the challenges: “There are no gas stations for diesel and gasoline in the desert. We must travel long distances to the only private station in Salman district, where prices are unstable.”
He explained that running out of gasoline in the desert leaves travelers dependent on the generosity of other drivers with spare fuel. “If we run out, we hitch rides to the station, fill a few liters, and return to our vehicles. This requires significant effort,” Al-Ajajibi said.
The lone station in Salman district, located 160 kilometers from Samawa city, has only four pumps. The round trip to the station consumes a substantial amount of fuel, leading to significant losses for the Bedouins.
“We demand the establishment of fuel stations in the desert to serve both the local Bedouins and tourists,” Al-Ajajibi urged.
A source from Iraq’s oil products department told 964media that there are currently no plans to build new fuel stations in the area. However, they mentioned that investors could apply to construct a fuel station in the desert, and the department is prepared to facilitate the legal procedures.
Bedouins in Iraq, known as “Bedu” in Arabic, are nomadic or semi-nomadic Arab tribes traditionally inhabiting the desert areas of Iraq. They are part of a broader Bedouin culture that spans across the Arabian Peninsula, including parts of Jordan, Syria, Saudi Arabia, and beyond.
Fire contained in Samawah commercial district
