Only 18% of gasoline consumption comprises enhanced and super-types

INA - BAGHDAD 

The Oil Products Distribution Company disclosed on Monday, that a mere 18% of the nation's total gasoline consumption consists of enhanced and super gasoline varieties.

Hussein Talib, the company's General Manager, underscored the company's commitment to ensuring the availability of regular gasoline, priced at 450 Iraqi dinars per liter. This type constitutes the share of daily consumption, amounting to 82% of the total, according to his statement to the Iraqi News Agency - INA.

Talib noted that "in 2023, during a period of higher imports averaging 14-15 million liters per day, the cost of regular gasoline stood at approximately 1,000 dinars per liter." However, following the commissioning of the Karbala refinery, import volumes were reduced to 7.5-8 million liters daily. As domestic production ramps up and northern refineries contribute, imports are expected to decrease further to around 4 million liters per day.

Regarding government subsidies for oil products, Talib highlighted a shift towards directing support to essential sectors that benefit ordinary citizens, particularly taxi drivers. Regular gasoline, essential for their operations, is subsidized at 450 dinars per liter, "emphasis will be placed on supporting this product and gas oil, while enhanced and super gasoline caters to owners of newer vehicles."

Talib further clarified that combined consumption of enhanced and super gasoline accounts for only 18% of the daily total, which stands at 32 million liters across all types. Of this, 80% of enhanced gasoline is imported, with daily consumption averaging 4.5 million liters and peaking at 5 million liters during the summer. Super gasoline, entirely imported, is priced at approximately 1,400 dinars per liter.