ERBIL, Kurdistan Region of Iraq – Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi on Tuesday directed authorities to increase Kirkuk’s share of the national grid after protests broke out in the city over increased electricity prices. 

Protests broke out in disputed Kirkuk late Sunday over increased electricity prices, two days after the price per ampere from private generators was increased. The demonstrations continued until Monday night across the province. 

“The prime minister directed an increase in Kirkuk’s share of electrical power to better meet the needs of the population and improve supply hours,” said a statement from Zaidi’s office, after a high-level meeting to discuss the situation in the province. 

On Monday, private generator operators in Kirkuk fully cut power supplies, leaving the city in complete darkness in protest of the authorities’ directive to reduce electricity prices. Their decision came as demonstrations in the province continued. 

During the meeting, Zaidi also “ordered an increase in the fuel allocation for private generators to ensure their continued operation,” according to the statement. 

“The prime minister also directed that the matter of pricing for private generators be referred to the integrity commission for investigation and review, with instructions to take all necessary legal actions against any identified violators,” it added. 

The Kirkuk Provincial Council on Monday met and decided to reduce the price per ampere of private generator electricity from 18,000 to 13,000 dinars. 

That evening, Kirkuk Deputy Governor Rebwar Taha directed all private generator operators to resume the provision of electricity, adding that he has obtained the approval of the Iraqi electricity ministry to increase Kirkuk’s quota of government-supplied power from 650 megawatts to 800 megawatts until the issue is resolved.

The initial price increase came after electricity supplied through Kirkuk’s national grid decreased last month. Private generator owners received enough diesel to operate for 190 hours, while they provided 300 hours of electricity, according to information obtained by The New Region.

Iraq and the Kurdistan Region have long suffered from electricity shortages.

The Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) has made strides to address the issue with the landmark Runaki Project, which currently provides round-the-clock electricity to the Kurdistan Region.

Erbil has repeatedly expressed its willingness to share its experience with Baghdad in addressing its long-standing electricity crisis.