Iraq authorities said on Wednesday, June 1, that the country did not pay to neighboring Iran a debt of $ 1.6 billion for import imports. The payment of debt was a key requirement to ensure the energy supply of Iraqi power plants in the strong heat of the upcoming summer months.
“Iran demanded that Irak pay for financial obligations for gas payment. However, due to the delay with the adoption of the budget, as well as the blocking by the parliament of the bill aimed at guaranteeing payments on debts, led to payment delays,” the statement of the Ministry of Electric power industry said Iraq.
According to Haqqin.az with reference to Al Arabiyya, supplies have already been reduced by five million cubic meters of gas per day, which limits the operation of power plants and reduces electricity supply hours in Iraq.
Despite its huge reserves of oil and gas, Iraq still depends on imports to satisfy its energy needs. At present, Iran provides a third of the needs of Iraq in gas and electricity, but supplies are regularly stopped or reduced, which exacerbates the situation.