Baghdad: Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani affirmed the government’s support for the work of private fuel stations and gas plants. A statement from his media office stated that al-Sudani received representatives of the Fuel Station Owners Association and Private Gas Plant Owners Association, in the presence of the head of the Iraqi Federation of Industries and a number of officials from relevant ministries and departments.

According to National Iraqi News Agency, al-Sudani listened to a detailed briefing on the nature of work at private fuel stations and gas plants and the obstacles and problems they face. He affirmed the government’s support for developing the work of this sector, monitoring its requirements, and securing the needs of its workers, who number tens of thousands in 1,425 fuel stations and 335 gas plants run by the private sector.

During the meeting, discussions were held on imposing fees and fines on fuel stations, prohibiting them from selling fuel to farmers, private generators, and pr
ivate construction vehicles, and suspending the profit margin for products supplied to stations since 2008. This was in addition to the real estate tax on stations and the tax imposed on the use of smart cards.

According to the statement, Al-Sudani stressed the importance of modernizing the work of fuel stations, private gas plants, and yards, equipping them with modern technology, and finding ways to develop work and services. He also called for holding accountable some of the weak-willed individuals who attempt to extort citizens.

The Prime Minister directed the Undersecretary of the Oil Ministry, the Director General of Industrial Development, the Director General of the Real Estate Department, the Director of the Oil Products Distribution Company, and the Economic Advisor to hold a meeting to develop rapid solutions and remedies to the obstacles, problems, and complaints submitted by the associations of fuel station owners and private gas plants, and to submit them to him.