Iraqis protest in 50°C heat as power cuts spread nationwide

Hundreds of Iraqis demonstrated in southern towns and at a government-run power plant on Friday against prolonged power cuts.

The temperature in the country has topped 50°C for several days in succession.

“We want electricity to be restored and if it isn’t, we’re not leaving this plant. We’re going to stay put and shut it down,” demonstrator Diaa Wady told AFP outside Al Khairat electricity station, near the city of Karbala.

Dozens of people protested on Friday in other southern provinces including Maysan, Wasit and Al Kut.

Iraq, the second-largest producer in Opec, meets about a third of its energy needs with gas and electricity from Iran.

But last month, Tehran cut crucial power supplies to its neighbour, saying the Iraqi Electricity Ministry owed it more than $6 billion.

“We are peaceful protesters who are here only for our rights. Our demand is for electricity to return and if it doesn’t, we’ll bring our tents and camp out,” said demonstrator Sajjad Al Kiriti.

The Electricity Ministry says the power cuts, which started this month in the south before spreading, were caused by attacks on power lines.

“Someone is trying to destabilise the country and sow chaos,” ministry spokesman Ahmad Moussa said, without giving details.

Electricity Minister Majed Hantoosh resigned in late June, shortly before Tehran announced its cutback.

It was the 18th year in succession in which Iraq’s minister of electricity has failed to survive the summer.

Hot weather and power cuts often go hand in hand in Iraq, but other factors have deepened the latest crisis.

Iraq says it is unable to pay Iran because of US sanctions on money transfers to Tehran plus a deep financial crisis compounded by lower oil prices and Covid-19.

The government also says few consumers pay their utility bills, and that many steal electricity by hooking up lines to power mains.