Iraq struggles to meet energy demands, looks at Qatar for help

Iraq has requested Qatar to cater to its energy demands after it failed to suffice its requirements. In order to address the power shortage in its territory, Iraq seeks help from Qatar.

As per a national agency, the crisis has been discussed during a meeting between Qatar’s Energy Minister, Saad Sherida Al-Kaabi, and Iraq’s acting Minister of Electricity, Adel Karim. The meeting was held in Doha where the two leaders also reportedly discussed how things may change in the coming days.

A statement released by the electricity ministry of Iraq said that during the visit the logistical issues were discussed so that the supply of gas through Qatari airports does not have any blockage while transporting it to Iraq.

Even last year there were reports in the media about Iraq seeking Qatar’s help to meet its energy demand.

It was reported that Iraq plans to import gas from Qatar, Turkey, Algeria, and Azerbaijan so that it can ramp up its electricity production for its population which is over 40 million people as per official data.

Iraq has been witnessing a terrible power shortage for more than three decades. It might come as a shock to many as the Arab country makes it to the list of top 10 oil-rich countries in the world.

Not only this, but it is also OPEC’s second-largest producer after Saudi Arabia where oil sales account for 90 percent of its revenue.

In Iraq, electricity outage is a very common issue especially due to the scorching heat in Baghdad but last year, it saw an extreme lack of energy which made Iraq take this call.