After gas supplies from Iran were halted, Iraq lost 4,500 megawatts of electricity.

رجل عراقي يقف تحت برج نقل الكهرباء جنوب مدينة الحلّة في العراق

December 29, 2025
libyawire
Economy
0

The Iraqi Ministry of Electricity announced a complete halt in Iranian gas supplies, causing an immediate loss of between 4,000 and 4,500 megawatts of production capacity, which directly impacted electricity supply hours in a number of provinces.

A spokesperson for the Ministry of Electricity stated that the halt in gas pumping led to some generating units going out of service, in addition to reducing the loads on other units, explaining that the Iranian side informed the ministry that the supplies were stopped due to emergency reasons.

The spokesperson explained that the ministry activated emergency plans and resorted to using alternative local fuel in coordination with the Ministry of Oil, to ensure the continued operation of power plants and reduce the impact of the shortage on the national grid.

The spokesperson confirmed that electricity production is still under control and that the majority of plants continue to operate despite the gas shortage, stressing that the ministry had prepared in advance for the winter peak loads through comprehensive maintenance, rehabilitation, and expansion programs, with daily coordination continuing with the Ministry of Oil to cover local needs until Iranian supplies resume.

In a related context, an Iraqi government official revealed in March 2025 that Baghdad had actually begun exploring alternatives to Iranian gas imports, as part of a government trend to reduce reliance on a single source, especially in light of U.S. sanctions imposed on Tehran.

The official in the Ministry of Electricity said that Iraq had previously relied almost entirely on Iranian gas, but there are government directives and political will to transition to a policy of diversifying import sources, which ensures the stability of the energy system and limits political and economic risks.

Official data indicates that gas and electricity supplies coming from Iran cover about a third of Iraq’s energy needs, making any sudden halt a major challenge for the electricity system and pushing the government to accelerate plans to search for regional and international alternatives to secure supplies in the medium and long term.

For years, Iraq has relied on importing Iranian gas to operate major power generation plants, due to limited local production and delays in associated gas investment projects. Meanwhile, crises of stoppage or reduction are repeated due to technical factors and political pressures related to sanctions, making the energy file one of the most sensitive files in the Iraqi economic and service landscape.

Iraq

Iraq, historically known as Mesopotamia, is often called the “Cradle of Civilization” for its ancient cities like Babylon and Ur, which were home to early developments in writing, law, and urban society. Modern Iraq, established in the 20th century, is a nation with a rich cultural heritage deeply impacted by its location at the heart of the ancient Islamic Abbasid Caliphate and by significant conflict in recent decades.

Iran

Iran, historically known as Persia, is home to one of the world’s oldest continuous major civilizations, dating back to the Elamite kingdoms of the 4th millennium BCE. Its rich cultural heritage is exemplified by numerous UNESCO World Heritage sites, including the ancient ruins of Persepolis, the magnificent architecture of Isfahan’s Naqsh-e Jahan Square, and the sophisticated Persian gardens. The modern Islamic Republic was established in 1979 following a revolution that transformed the nation from a monarchy into a theocratic republic.

Al Hillah

Al Hillah is a city in central Iraq, located near the ancient ruins of Babylon, which was the capital of the Neo-Babylonian Empire under King Nebuchadnezzar II in the 6th century BCE. The modern city serves as the capital of Babylon Province and is a key administrative and cultural center in the region, closely tied to the historical legacy of one of Mesopotamia’s most famous civilizations.

Baghdad

Baghdad is the capital of Iraq, founded in the 8th century by the Abbasid Caliph Al-Mansur. It became a major center of the Islamic Golden Age, renowned for the House of Wisdom and its contributions to science and culture, before suffering significant destruction from invasions and modern conflicts.

Tehran

Tehran is the capital and largest city of Iran, officially becoming the national capital in 1796 under the Qajar dynasty. It is a major cultural and economic center, home to significant sites like the Golestan Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage site from the 19th century.

United States

The United States is a federal republic founded in 1776 after declaring independence from Great Britain, with its modern government established by the Constitution in 1789. Its history encompasses westward expansion, the Civil War, industrialization, and its emergence as a global superpower in the 20th century. The nation is defined by its diverse cultural heritage, democratic institutions, and significant economic and political influence worldwide.