Electricity ministry spox: Iraq won’t return to the ‘age of lanterns’ if Iranian gas halted

BAGHDAD – The Iraqi Ministry of Electricity has outlined a contingency plan to prevent a major energy crisis should Iranian gas supplies be halted, according to ministry spokesperson Ahmed Mousa. Speaking to Al-Rasheed TV, Mousa confirmed that Iraq has already experienced significant power losses due to a reduction in Iranian gas imports and domestic gas production, but assured citizens that the ministry is equipped to manage the situation and avoid a return to the “lantern age.”

Excerpts from Ahmed Mousa’s interview with Al-Rasheed TV:

The levels of Iranian gas supplied to Iraq are continuously declining from 30 to 18 million cubic meters per day due to maintenance on the Iranian side. This shortage has resulted in a reduction in electricity production by 2,250 megawatts.

We lost 1,500 megawatts due to a decrease in domestic gas production by approximately 450 million cubic feet per day, which has led to load restrictions at the Najibiya and Rumaila gas power plants. In addition, 3,000 megawatts were lost due to maintenance at several plants undergoing repairs in preparation for the winter season.

The scenario of an energy war and a halt in Iranian gas revenues will significantly affect electricity production, as Iranian gas accounts for about one-third of our gas needs for power stations. However, the Iraqi government is currently working hard to ensure that such a war does not break out due to the escalating situation in the region.

We have a “Plan B” in case of any interruption in Iranian gas, although its cessation would cause a problem. However, we assure Iraqis that the ministry is prepared, and we will not return to the “lantern age.” All southern gas plants operate on domestic gas and can produce 9,000 megawatts. Furthermore, some gas plants can operate on “kerosene,” although it is costly, and the Ministry of Oil cannot fully meet the demand for it.