As cold weather sweeps through the mountainous areas of the Kurdistan Region and citizens begin using heaters, Baghdad has yet to respond to Erbil's request to supply household heating oil (kerosene), leaving the issue unresolved.

The Ministry of Natural Resources (MNR) of the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) sent an official letter to the federal government requesting the provision of kerosene before the onset of winter. However, no response has been received to date.

Regarding the provision of heating oil by Baghdad, Salim al-Rukabi, spokesperson for the Iraqi Oil Ministry, told Kurdistan24 that they have received the KRG MNR's letter, but it remains under discussion to find a suitable mechanism for supplying the oil.

He added that the issue has not yet been resolved by the Iraqi Oil Ministry, though they are aware that the weather has drastically changed and temperatures have dropped in parts of the Kurdistan Region.

Kurdistan24 previously reported that the MNR requested kerosene for households from the Iraqi Oil Ministry over a month ago, but Baghdad has not responded.

The Kurdistan Region requires 317,590,800 liters of heating oil annually to distribute to households, providing 200 liters per family in urban areas and 400 liters for those outside the cities.

In August, an MNR delegation is scheduled to visit Baghdad to discuss gasoline supplies, increasing the oil share, and the financial dues of oil companies, as a preparatory step for Iraq's 2027 draft budget law.

A source within the MNR told Kurdistan24 that a ministry delegation will visit Baghdad very soon to meet with Oil Ministry officials regarding the gasoline issue and the proposals submitted to the federal government.

The official noted, "We have asked Baghdad to increase the 50,000-barrel share allocated to the Kurdistan Region, whether from the Region's own production or by Iraq sending oil to KRI refineries. However, the Oil Ministry has not responded yet, citing that this is beyond their authority and requires a decision from the Council of Ministers."

The MNR official also revealed that the delegation's visit to Baghdad is not solely focused on gasoline. It will also cover oil production, international oil companies' financial dues, and all related oil sector issues, in preparation for the 2027 Iraqi budget law.