Region known for harsh climate
Soran residents stock up on oil as prices rise ahead of winter
SORAN — Residents of Soran city in Erbil province are stockpiling oil in preparation for the winter season, with prices reaching 150,000 Iraqi dinars ($100) per barrel, marking a notable increase from summer rates.
The price per barrel has risen from 130,000 dinars during the summer to 150,000 dinars as the season changes, according to oil vendor Darya Jalal. “The price of household oil has been rising for almost 20 days, and it will likely increase further with the arrival of autumn,” Jalal told 964media. He also noted a surge in demand, stating that he now sells approximately 40 barrels daily.
Haji Mohammed Hassan, a Soran resident, explained his early purchase decision to 964media, saying, “I need four barrels of oil annually, and I have already purchased three. Prices are lower now, but they will likely increase in winter, so I am buying early.”
Last year, the price of a barrel of oil in Soran peaked at 195,000 dinars ($130) during the winter months.
Soran, known for its mountainous terrain and harsh winters, often struggles with rising oil prices and frequent power shortages. These challenges force many residents, particularly those in remote areas, to rely on wood stoves for heating, leading to increased tree cutting and environmental degradation.
According to statistics provided to 964media last year, if the government were to distribute one barrel of oil per household annually, the Soran region would need over 17 million liters of oil to meet the needs of approximately 88,000 families.
The Kurdistan Regional Government began distributing government-supplied oil to residents last year after mid-October, starting with highland and mountainous regions.
The Soran Administration oversees six districts, 14 sub-districts, and nearly 800 villages, with a population of approximately 380,000 people.
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