Erbil governorate warns against price hikes for household gas

ERBIL — The Erbil Governorate reaffirmed on Saturday that the price of subsidized gas provided by the Kurdistan Regional Government remains unchanged and warned against unjustified price hikes by retailers.

Most households in the Kurdistan Region rely on 11kg gas cylinders for cooking and heating water. These cylinders are filled at specialized factories that source liquid gas from local fields, and retailers are required to sell them to the public at the government-regulated price cap.

However, fluctuations in production or spikes in demand—particularly during cold weather—often prompt retailers to raise prices, even though such practices violate local pricing regulations.

“There is no issue with gas supply for residents, and the price of subsidized gas remains as it is,” Erbil Governorate spokesperson Omed Khoshnaw said during a press conference. “Any distributor [retailers] or seller who raises prices on citizens will face action.” He noted, however, that commercial gas prices in the market may fluctuate.

Khoshnaw also announced that authorities are setting up an digital system for gas distribution to allow citizens easier access to fuel.

Last week, 964media reported that gas prices had surged by more than 50% due to increased demand following a cold wave across Kurdistan and Iraq. Erbil District Commissioner Nabaz Abdulhamid attributed the price fluctuation to higher consumption during cold weather, which caused a temporary supply shortage and rising commercial gas prices. “This shortage and price increase are temporary and will be resolved soon,” he said. “For now, residential gas distributors are still receiving supply four days a week, and the price per cylinder remains at 8,500 dinars ($5.67).”

Bulk commercial gas prices have risen sharply. Previously, filling a 25-liter household gas cylinder cost 10,000 dinars ($6.67), but the price has now increased to 15,000 dinars ($10.00), adding further financial strain on residents. Authorities have pledged to closely monitor the situation and take action against unjustified price hikes.