The Iraqi Ministry of Electricity reported a reduction in electricity production due to a "shortage" of gas imported from Iran. Accordingly, the official Iraqi news agency (INA) announced on Friday that it is seeking to reduce reliance on imported gas. Part of the statement reads: "The shortage of imported gas has impacted power plants, causing a deficit of over 4,000 megawatts in the electricity supply network in Baghdad and central regions, and reducing electricity delivery to southern areas." The halt in gas exports to Iraq comes as gas consumption in Iran has recently increased, with the manager of the dispatching department of the National Iranian Gas Company stating that the average gas consumption in the country for Monday, January 8, was 570 million cubic meters, equivalent to 70% of the total gas produced in the country. Earlier, on January 1, the head of the gas control center in Iran urged people to wear warm clothes at home to save gas. To prevent early gas cuts, the government has started cutting gas supplies to some industries since December. The website "Eco Iran" reported on December 21 that discussions about cutting gas supplies to industries and restrictions on gas consumption for listed companies in the Codal system had begun. The Iranian gas industry suffers from a lack of investment, with the required investment estimated to be over $80 billion. Due to international sanctions, the Islamic Republic cannot attract foreign investment, and domestically, due to a decrease in foreign exchange revenues, investment has become practically impossible. Jamshid Asadi: Despite having the second-largest gas reserves in the world, Iran has no position in gas exports. The spokesperson for the Iraqi Ministry of Electricity told Voice of America that Iran has reduced gas exports without notice. Air pollution in Iran has peaked; burning mazut is the main cause. Investigative report: Comparing Iran's oil production with a regional competitor: Iran's decline, UAE's rise. Research findings: Why has Iran fallen into a severe electricity and gas crisis? Former U.S. officials: Bartering gas between Iraq and Iran violates sanctions. The Iraqi Ministry of Electricity; Iran has cut gas exports. Pressure from the pro-Islamic Republic coalition on the Iraqi government to pay "gas debts" to Iran.
Cold Weather in Iran; Gas Exports to Iraq Halted
Iraq's electricity production has decreased due to a shortage of gas imports from Iran, which has halted gas exports amid rising domestic consumption in Iran. This situation highlights Iran's struggle with energy management and investment challenges, exacerbated by international sanctions.
👥 Key Players
📰 What Happened
Iran has halted gas exports to Iraq due to increased domestic consumption amid cold weather, impacting Iraq's electricity production. Iraq is now seeking to reduce its reliance on Iranian gas.
- Iran's domestic gas consumption has surged to 570 million cubic meters per day.
- Iraq faces a deficit of over 4,000 megawatts in electricity supply due to reduced gas imports.
💡 Why It Matters
📚 Background
Iran holds the world's second-largest gas reserves but struggles with export capacity due to sanctions and investment shortfalls.
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