Iraq loses up to 4,500 MW of electricity after Iran halts gas supplies

ERBIL, Kurdistan Region - Iraq’s electricity ministry announced on Tuesday a complete shutdown of imported Iranian gas supplies, leading to the loss of between 4,000 and 4,500 megawatts from the national power grid, directly affecting electricity supply hours across the country.

In a statement by the ministry’s media office - obtained by Rudaw - officials confirmed that the interruption followed an official notification from Tehran.

"The Iranian side sent a formal telegram informing the Ministry of Electricity of a total halt in gas pumping due to emergency circumstances," the statement read.

Ministry spokesperson Ahmed Moussa was quoted in the statement as saying the suspension forced several power generation units to shut down, while others were subjected to load restrictions. "The pumping of Iranian gas has stopped entirely, resulting in the loss of 4,000 to 4,500 megawatts from the electrical system," Moussa said, adding that the disruption has had a direct impact on daily power supply hours.

Despite the shortfall, Moussa stressed that electricity production remains manageable.

"The ministry has turned to local alternative fuels in coordination with the Ministry of Oil to supply power plants," he said, adding that "production is under control, and the plants remain operational despite some being affected by the gas shortage."

The spokesperson detailed that the ministry had taken precautionary measures ahead of seasonal demand, stressing that the ministry "has prepared for winter peak loads through ongoing maintenance, rehabilitation, and expansion operations at power generation plants."

Moussa also emphasized "ongoing coordination with the Ministry of Oil to meet domestic demand until imported gas supplies resume."

Iraq suffers from chronic electricity shortages, particularly during the summer and winter when demand reaches its highest. The Iraqi government heavily relies on gas imports from Iran to generate a portion of its electricity.

Iraq currently generates between 20,000-25,000 megawatts of electricity, but needs to produce nearly 54,000 megawatts to meet 24-hour demand nationwide, according to the electricity ministry.

In March, the United States rescinded a waiver allowing Iraq to purchase electricity from Iran as part of President Donald Trump’s maximum pressure campaign against Tehran.

Following the waiver expiry, Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia’ al-Sudani held meetings with energy officials to explore alternatives, including utilizing natural gas and importing electricity from Jordan, Turkey, and Turkmenistan.

Iraq is also exploring renewable options. In late March, the electricity ministry announced that it is close to inking agreements with two Emirati and Saudi-based companies to build solar panels.