Iraq Faces Widespread Power Shortages After Iran Stops Gas Exports

 

Iraq’s electricity supply has been severely disrupted after Iran completely stopped exporting natural gas to its neighbor, dealing a major blow to power generation across the country. (Facebook)

According to Iraq’s Electricity Ministry, the halt in gas deliveries has led to a loss of 4,000–4,500 megawatts of generation capacity on the national grid. This sharp drop has forced many power stations to reduce output and cut back on electricity supply hours, leaving millions of Iraqis with reduced access to electricity. (Facebook)

Iran informed Baghdad that the gas flow was ending under **“unforeseen” or emergency circumstances, though official Iranian statements giving detailed reasons have not been published. (The Times of Israel)

Iraq relies heavily on Iranian gas to fuel its power plants — with imports accounting for a significant share of the fuel used for electricity generation. The sudden stoppage has struck at a time when Iraq’s energy sector already faces longstanding challenges, including aging infrastructure, insufficient investment, and chronic shortages. (شفق نيوز)

In response, Iraqi officials say they are using alternative domestic fuels and coordinating with the oil ministry to maintain electricity production while trying to restore imported gas flows. (The National)

The crisis highlights Iraq’s continuing dependence on foreign energy supplies and the urgent need to diversify its energy mix, even as pressure mounts to strengthen local production and infrastructure. (شفق نيوز)