Private generator owners in Najaf protest against fuel shortages, rising operational costs, and government regulations requiring expensive soundproof generators. (February 4, 2025 – Photo taken from a video by 964media.)
'Overwhelming'
Najaf private generator operators protest fuel cuts, sound-isolation requirements
NAJAF — Private generator owners in Najaf converged on Sadrain Square on Tuesday, protesting a sudden reduction in subsidized gas oil allocations, surging costs, extended operating hours, and local regulations mandating expensive sound-isolating generators that cost over 40 million Iraqi dinars (about $26,667).
“We took to the streets due to the severe fuel shortage,” said protest coordinator Maytham Amer. “We used to get a liter of gas oil for 250 dinars ($0.17), but now, with unstable electricity, we are forced to buy it from the government at 450 dinars ($0.30) per liter.”
Amid chronic power shortages across Iraq, many residents depend on privately owned generators, paying fees according to the amperes supplied. To lessen the financial load on consumers, the government provides fuel at subsidized prices, intending to keep electricity affordable. However, Amer noted that local authorities have lowered the per-ampere price while cutting fuel quotas and extending daily operating hours, forcing generators to start at noon instead of 1 p.m. and continue until 1 a.m.
“In previous months, we received 30 liters per kilovolt, but this month, it has been reduced to just 15 liters,” he said, cautioning that owners rely on this work for their livelihoods and urging an increase in the gas oil quota to maintain fairness.
Some operators also face additional hurdles related to local government requirements. Adel Hussein, another generator owner, said, “I want to register my generator with the governorate, but they refuse unless it’s a soundproof model, which costs between 40 and 50 million dinars ($26,667 to $33,333). I’m just a simple worker. Why does Najaf impose this condition when other governorates don’t?”
Iraq relies heavily on private generators because its national grid faces chronic power shortages, marked by frequent outages. These private units help sustain day-to-day activities, especially in urban centers, but can pose challenges related to noise, pollution, and smoke. To address these issues, some local governments require generator owners to use sound-isolated models designed to reduce disruptive noise levels and mitigate environmental harm.
Others point to mounting costs and strict penalties for seeking alternative fuel sources. “I mortgaged my house to buy gas and keep my generator running,” said Hussein Karim, adding that if he purchased gas oil from the black market, the government would seize it and fine him up to 45 million dinars ($30,000).
Sound-isolating casings and other requirements stem from regulations enacted last year to reduce noise and organize generator operations. But owners such as Tamar Rasul say meeting these standards is beyond their means. “We are 1,600 generator owners facing injustice,” Rasul explained. “We simply cannot afford 45 million dinars ($30,000) for soundproof generators. No other governorate enforces this rule except Najaf.”
Rasul added that rising fuel costs compound the problem. “A barrel now costs 160,000 dinars ($107), and we have to beg suppliers to sell to us.
“I consume two barrels daily, which is overwhelming.”
Iraq’s power grid has been further strained by a prolonged halt in Iranian gas imports, costing the country about 8,500 megawatts of electricity and causing additional blackouts. The Ministry of Electricity has promised improvements, but many residents say the situation remains unchanged.