Decades of experience
Baquba’s ‘Kerosene Heater Doctor’ keeps homes warm with with affordable repair service
DIYALA — Business is booming at Abu Ruqayya’s workshop in Baquba’s old market. Known affectionately as the Kerosene Heater Doctor, Abu Ruqayya has been repairing heaters since the 1980s, offering expertise that locals rely on to stay warm during harsh winters.
“Kerosene heaters used to be robust and lasted for years,” Abu Ruqayya explained. “Today’s models are less durable and require frequent repairs. But with unreliable electricity and cold temperatures, people have no choice but to depend on them.”
Abu Ruqayya’s workshop is busy fixing common problems such as worn-out wicks, rusted fuel tanks, and faulty adjustment mechanisms. The high demand for kerosene heaters stems from their practicality in regions with erratic power supply. Some even turn to hybrid models that use both gas and electricity.
Used Japanese kerosene heaters are especially popular. Prices range from 35,000 dinars ($23) for smaller models to 90,000 dinars ($60) for larger ones. Repair costs typically average 10,000 dinars ($6.60).
“Kerosene heater repair is hard and meticulous work,” said Khudr Ali, another repair specialist in Baquba. “Back in the day, people used high-quality brands like Aladdin stove from England or Japanese models such as Toyotomi, Sanyo, and Alpaca. They were built to last and came with spare parts, making faults rare.”
He described how the market has shifted. “In the 1990s, circular models like Fujika and Kiruna gained popularity. After 2003, second hand Japanese heaters became common. They are still reliable but often arrive with defects like damaged wicks or adjustment gears.”
Poor-quality kerosene adds to the problem. “Sometimes the fuel is mixed with water, causing rust and damaging key components,” Khudr explained.
Despite the challenges, kerosene heaters remain essential. “People need them because of unreliable electricity. Hybrid heaters that use both gas and electricity are also gaining popularity,” he added.
Spare parts and repair costs are kept affordable for locals. “A wick adjustment knob costs 1,000 dinars ($0.66), adjustment gears are 2,000 dinars ($1.32), and a new wick base is 3,000 dinars ($1.98). Full repairs, including labor, typically cost around 5,000 dinars ($3.30),” Khudr noted.