Iraq denies gasoline shortage, price increase in Basra

BASRA — Iraq’s Security Media Cell on Friday denied reports of a gasoline shortage or plans to raise fuel prices in Basra, following circulating claims on social media.

In a statement, the cell said it “denies the circulating reports about a shortage of gasoline or intention to raise its prices,” particularly on April 9 and 10 in Basra.

The statement said authorities have increased fuel supplies to the governorate “to meet rising demand and improve distribution flow” in Basra and other governorates.

It added that all refineries are operating at full capacity, contributing to securing fuel needs and reducing congestion at filling stations.

The Security Media Cell urged residents “not to be misled by unverified social media posts and malicious rumors,” calling on the public to rely on official platforms of the Oil Ministry and the provincial council.

State-owned Basra Oil Company said Wednesday it can restore oil production to more than 2 million barrels per day within hours and reach 3 million barrels per day within days, as the U.S.-Iran ceasefire opens the prospect of resuming shipments through the Strait of Hormuz.

Iraq’s production collapsed from around 4.3 million barrels per day before the conflict to as low as 800,000 to 1.3 million barrels per day as the effective closure of the Strait of Hormuz cut off its main southern export route. Oil accounts for around 90 percent of government revenue, making the disruption an acute fiscal crisis.