Baghdad: The Ministerial Council for the Economy has introduced several new decisions following its 21st session, led by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Fuad Hussein.

According to National Iraqi News Agency, the session, attended by key government officials including the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Planning, the Minister of Finance, and the Governor of the Central Bank of Iraq, focused on evaluating the electronic payment system. The Council has decided to halve the fees for issuing electronic payment cards, capping the issuance fee at 5,000 dinars.

Additionally, the Council resolved to reduce electronic payment commissions to five per thousand. It mandates that at least 50% of all transactions should be conducted electronically, with private fuel stations required to comply within six months. Electronic payment companies must adhere to these regulations starting January 1, 2026.

The Council also made recommendations for the brick industry, proposing a fixed price for lique
fied gas to support factory operations and worker employment. Furthermore, the Council approved the Ministry of Oil’s request for an exception regarding gas compressor projects at the northern Rumaila site.

In response to the Ministry of Electricity’s request, the Council agreed to cancel the decision to withdraw work from the company handling the construction of power plant buildings at Amerli and Farhatiya.

The session concluded with a review of the Ministry of Agriculture’s report on dam water status and agricultural production. The report emphasized the need for prioritizing agricultural investment, protecting local products, rationalizing water use, and supporting the private agricultural sector.