Iraqi Electricity Ministry: Positive Talks with Iran to Resume Gas Supplies
'Coming days'
Iraqi Electricity Ministry: positive talks with Iran on resuming gas supply
BAGHDAD — Iraq’s Ministry of Electricity announced ‘progress’ in negotiations with Iran regarding the resumption of gas supplies, which are critical for restarting idle power plants. The suspension of Iranian gas exports has caused a loss of 8,000 to 8,600 megawatts from Iraq’s electricity grid, severely impacting power generation in Baghdad and the central and southern regions.
In late November, Iran halted gas exports to Iraq for 15 days, citing “maintenance”.
The suspension has since been extended without further public clarification.
“The discussions with the Iranian side have been positive,” Ahmed Mousa, spokesperson for the Ministry of Electricity, told Iraq’s official news agency Al-Iraqiya TV on Monday. “They have promised to resume gas supplies in the coming days. Once the gas is available, we will restore operations at the non-functional power plants, ensuring a stable grid.”
Mousa explained that the gas shortage led to the shutdown of several ready-to-operate stations due to a lack of sufficient fuel. “This amount of energy loss has disrupted the system, but with the restoration of gas supplies, these plants will return to full operation, stabilizing the network,” he added.
“Our electricity supply plan is progressing correctly, with strategic initiatives to enhance production, transmission, and distribution sectors,” he said.
He highlighted ongoing work on high-capacity transmission lines, installation of advanced transformers, and the development of both fixed and mobile stations to improve the distribution network. “The ministry is also introducing smart grid technologies to optimize operations and manage loads across governorates,” Mousa noted.