Traders and buyers gather around rows of tuk-tuks, also known as auto rickshaws, at the Katon al-Razi market in Baqubah, where the three-wheeled vehicles are bought, sold and exchanged in one of Diyala governorate’s busiest trading hubs. Photo by 964media.
Baqubah tuk-tuk market grows as import curbs push prices higher
DIYALA — A growing market in Baqubah is turning tuk-tuks into a regular traded commodity, with sellers saying import restrictions have tightened supply while demand has stayed steady, driving prices sharply higher.
In the Katon al-Razi neighborhood, what began as a small local gathering has developed into one of Diyala’s main hubs for buying, selling and exchanging tuk-tuks, also known as auto rickshaws. Traders said the market has expanded enough to operate as its own space rather than as an extension of motorcycle markets, reflecting how the three-wheeled vehicles have carved out a distinct commercial niche.
Sellers said most tuk-tuks offered are Indian-made. Bajaj models dominate demand in Baqubah, followed by TVS, with drivers citing durability, ease of maintenance and the ready availability of spare parts and mechanics.
“Bajaj and TVS tuk-tuks are Indian-made, but Bajaj is the most desired in the market because it is durable, easy to trade, inexpensive to repair, and spare parts and mechanics are widely available,” said Sattar Ahmed, a regular at the market.
Ahmed said Bajaj models available typically range from 2016 to 2025, with 2017 models most sought after. He said prices vary depending on model year and condition.
“A 2022 model ranges from 7.5 million to 9 million dinars ($5,319–$6,383), while a 2019 model sells for between 5 million and 5.5 million dinars ($3,546–$3,901),” he said.
He said the market has seen steep increases in recent years.
“Previously, prices were between 3 million and 4 million dinars ($2,128–$2,837),” Ahmed said. “Today they have reached 8 million dinars or more ($5,674+) due to the import ban and stricter traffic enforcement on license plates.”
Nihad Saleh, a tuk-tuk driver, said buyers travel to Baqubah from across the governorate.
“People come to the market from all areas and districts of the governorate, including Baladrooz, Kanaan and Khalis,” he said, adding that trade includes both cash sales and vehicle exchanges.
“There are exchange deals as well as buying and selling,” Saleh said. “The market is not limited to tuk-tuks. There are also small cargo vehicles and motorcycles.”
He said many residents prefer the Baqubah market over traveling to Baghdad.
“Most people who come here are able to buy, instead of going to distant areas like Baghdad,” Saleh said.
Traders at the market also sell small cargo vehicles known locally as “sattoutas.” Ahmed Mahmoud, a sattouta owner, said four types are traded on site.
“The available type here is the MTR, along with Najafi, Umm al-Tair and al-Fahl,” he said. “The last one is the most desired because it can handle heavy loads and continuous work.”
Mahmoud said prices for registered cargo vehicles range “from 500,000 dinars to 3.5 million dinars ($355–$2,482).”
“We come to this market every Friday,” he said. “Some people buy one week and sell it the next. A week is enough to fix the vehicle and sell it again for profit, and provision is from God.”