Trade Ministry denies ration cuts, says supplies sufficient

BAGHDAD– Iraq’s Ministry of Trade denied reports of cuts to food rations, stating on Saturday that the ration share for each individual is distributed “in full without any shortage,” and affirmed that its warehouses hold a sufficient strategic reserve.

In a statement, the ministry rejected claims of removed items from the state ration program, saying the current allocation includes 9 kilograms of flour, 3 kilograms of rice, 1 kilogram of sugar, as well as oil and tomato paste.

The ration card system, introduced in the 1990s, provides monthly food packages to millions of Iraqis and remains one of the country’s largest social support programs.

The ministry said it is continuing distribution according to the approved schedule and warned it would take legal action against those spreading false information. It added that such rumors aim to “mislead public opinion and cause concern among citizens.”

In October 2025, Minister of Trade Atheer Al-Ghurairi announced that the public food ration card program will be restricted to lower-income citizens, with those earning more than 1.5 million dinars (approximately $1,065) per month to be excluded under a reinstated income cap. He said the subsidy system no longer reflects Iraq’s current income landscape.