Iran gas halt cuts up to 4,500 MW from Iraq power grid

• Iraq loses up to 4,500 megawatts after Iranian gas supplies stop completely.
• Government switches to local fuel and vows to manage winter peak demand.

Iraq’s Ministry of Electricity announced a complete halt to Iranian gas supplies, triggering a sharp drop in power generation and forcing emergency measures to stabilize the grid.

Supply shock hits generation

Ministry spokesman Ahmed Mousa said the cutoff led to the loss of between 4,000–4,500 megawatts across the national network after several generating units shut down and others were forced to reduce output.

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“The interruption affected supply hours,” Mousa said, adding that alternative steps were taken at production stations until gas flows resume.

Emergency fuel switch

Mousa said Iran formally notified the ministry of the full suspension “due to emergency conditions”. In response, the electricity ministry coordinated with the Ministry of Oil to supply power plants with locally available alternative fuels.

He stressed that “production remains under control”, noting that stations continue operating despite gas shortages at some units.

Winter peak preparations

The spokesman said the ministry prepared for winter peak demand through ongoing maintenance, rehabilitation, and expansion at power plants, alongside continued coordination with the oil ministry to cover domestic needs until imported gas returns.

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Structural dependence persists

Iraq’s power system relies on thermal and gas-fired plants fueled by oil, domestic gas, and imported Iranian gas. The government has sought to boost investment in associated gas capture to reduce flaring and ease import dependence.

Iraq ranks as the world’s third-largest gas flarer after Russia and Iran. World Bank data show Iraq flared about 18 billion cubic meters of gas in 2023.