DUBAI, UAE - A 15-day maintenance shutdown of Iranian gas supplies is expected to significantly reduce Iraq’s power generation capacity, leaving Baghdad, the central region, and Middle Euphrates region without 5,500 megawatts (MW) of electricity.

The ministry reported that gas flows from Iran to Baghdad and central Iraq were completely halted, with only 7 million cubic meters per day being diverted to southern regions. This is far below the agreed daily supply of 25 million cubic meters with Iran.

Efforts are underway to mitigate the impact of the disruption. “The Iraqi Ministry of Electricity is coordinating with the Iraqi Ministry of Oil to compensate for the shortfall,” the statement said.

The ministry in a statement urged citizens to take into account “the uncontrollable situation,” and to conserve electricity until the maintenance is completed and gas flows return to normal levels.

Iraq relies on imports from Iran for 30 to 40 percent of its energy needs but faces challenges due to US sanctions and unstable Iranian gas supplies, recently losing over 4,000 MW of power.

To address this, Iraq is exploring regional grid connections and alternative gas sources, including a 2023 agreement with Turkmenistan, while the US pressures it to reduce reliance on Iran.

The shutdown comes as Iraq works to strengthen its power grid through stalled and delayed projects, some of which had been dormant for years. The ministry has also been focusing on diversifying energy sources by increasing reliance on domestic gas and fuel while awaiting the completion of projects to rehabilitate national gas fields