Prime Minister Masrour Barzani said the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) is taking new measures to address fuel market pressures while urging Baghdad to provide the Kurdistan Region’s full fuel allocation. His remarks came as regional tensions continued to affect energy markets and place additional pressure on fuel prices across the Region.
Speaking at a press conference in Erbil, Barzani said recent developments across the Middle East have created economic challenges for the Kurdistan Region. As a result, fuel prices have increased, while energy security has become an even greater priority for policymakers.
Barzani said the KRG has formally requested additional fuel supplies from the Iraqi federal government. According to him, the Kurdistan Region currently receives around 50,000 barrels of fuel per day for domestic consumption. However, he said Baghdad should provide an additional 70,000 barrels daily to meet the Region’s full entitlement.
The prime minister also announced that the Ministry of Natural Resources has been instructed to review gasoline prices and develop practical solutions. He said the government aims to ease pressure on residents and businesses while maintaining market stability.
Furthermore, Barzani highlighted the financial challenges facing the Kurdistan Region. He said recent regional instability has reduced domestic revenues and slowed economic activity. Therefore, he urged the federal government to reconsider its decision regarding a 120-billion-dinar transfer. He also stressed that the KRG has continued to fulfill its obligations concerning public-sector salaries.
Energy security remained another key focus of the briefing. Barzani reaffirmed the KRG’s commitment to completing the Runaki project, which aims to provide uninterrupted electricity across the Kurdistan Region. Meanwhile, reduced operations at the Khor Mor gas field have temporarily lowered gas supplies and electricity generation. However, he said authorities are working with energy companies to increase production in the coming days.
Finally, Barzani called on political parties to accelerate the formation of the next Kurdistan Regional Government cabinet. He said stronger cooperation would help address economic challenges, strengthen energy security, and support long-term development across the Region.