Iraq’s petrol problem deepens as OPEC member hit by Hormuz disruption

Iraqis are facing renewed petrol shortages, with long queues forming at petrol stations in Baghdad and other provinces as regional fighting disrupts fuel imports.The petrol disruption is linked to the wider impact of the regional war on shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, a key route for oil and fuel shipments in the Gulf. Reduced tanker traffic has made it harder for Iraq to secure imported gasoline, leaving petrol stations increasingly dependent on limited domestic supplies.According to Arab News, Iraq’s oil ministry spokesman Salim Al-Rikabi said the country had been forced to import gasoline to cover the gap between domestic production and consumption, but regional fighting had disrupted tanker movements and delayed shipments.He further said that Iraq had so far secured only one tanker because of the security situation, while the ministry was seeking additional vessels to maintain daily supplies and strengthen strategic reserves.Iraq is a major crude oil producer…