Baghdad: Newspapers published in Baghdad on Monday, February 9, focused on several prominent issues, foremost among them the traders’ strike in protest against the decision to raise customs tariffs, alongside government directions regarding fuel prices and other topics, including the challenges posed by climate change in Iraq.
According to National Iraqi News Agency, Al-Zawraa newspaper, issued by the Iraqi Journalists Syndicate, reported that the provinces of Baghdad and Basra witnessed widespread closures of markets and commercial shops following the announcement of a general strike by traders opposing the increase in customs tariffs. The closures included major commercial areas in Baghdad such as Al-Shorja, Al-Rubaie, Al-Rasheed, Al-Sinaa, Al-Karrada, and Al-Nasr Square, as well as all shops in Al-Ashar district in Basra.
Protests by traders and shop owners continued in several areas, expressing rejection of the customs tariff hike, which demonstrators described as an additional burden on trade activity and local markets. The Baghdad Chamber of Commerce warned that the increase in tariffs would directly impact commodity prices, leading to a decline in citizens’ purchasing power and negatively affecting small traders and owners of small and medium-sized enterprises.
In response, Minister of Trade Atheer Al-Ghurairi confirmed that there would be no increase in prices, stressing that the Ministry of Trade would not allow such increases, that goods are available in the markets, and that imports are continuing. An official letter from Speaker of Parliament Haibat Al-Halbousi urged the government to reconsider and delay decisions on fees and taxes with the approach of Ramadan, warning of potential price increases.
Meanwhile, Al-Zaman newspaper addressed a potential government increase in fuel prices as part of efforts to boost state revenues. The Eco Iraq Observatory criticized the move, warning that it would lead to higher transportation, production, and service costs. Any rise in fuel prices would impact the prices of basic commodities, place additional pressure on citizens’ purchasing power, and contribute to a market slowdown.
The Ministry of Oil’s spokesperson, Abdul-Sahib Al-Hassnawi, affirmed that there is no gasoline crisis, with daily production at approximately 30 million liters and consumption slightly increased to 33.5 million liters due to holidays and increased vehicular movement.
Al-Sabah newspaper, issued by the Iraqi Media Network, focused on the health challenges posed by climate change in Iraq. Dr. Alia Jassim Mohammed from the World Health Organization’s Iraq office noted that climate change has altered patterns of existing diseases, increasing their frequency or geographical spread, particularly those sensitive to temperature, water, and air quality.
Extreme heat waves and declining water quality have increased waterborne diseases, while dust storms and poor air quality have contributed to higher rates of respiratory diseases. Climate changes have also affected disease vectors, resulting in periodic increases in vector-borne diseases, such as leishmaniasis and Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever. Dr. Mohammed emphasized that climate change reshapes conditions for existing diseases, increasing community vulnerability.