Baghdad: The Council of Ministers has voted to extinguish the debts owed by the Baghdad Municipality and various municipalities to the Ministry of Electricity. This decision relates to the provision of energy for public street lighting. From July 1, 2026, these municipalities will be responsible for the payment of electricity used for lighting purposes.

According to National Iraqi News Agency, the Council, in its regular session, also decided to exempt the purchasing committees of the Ministry of Oil, the Oil Pipelines Company, and the Southern Operations Authority from certain provisions. These exemptions are related to the Federal General Budget Law (13 of 2023) and Cabinet Resolution (24600 of 2024) and aim to address the ongoing water crisis in Basra Governorate.

Additionally, the Council approved recommendations concerning a draft agreement on the regulation of land transport of goods between Arab countries. This approval also considers the implications of the development road project, taking into account observations noted in the meeting minutes.