Al-Fatlawi: Iraq should not remain a prisoner of oil.
Al-Fatlawi: Iraq should not remain a prisoner of oil.
9-28-2026
Information/Special…
MP Shaima al-Fatlawi emphasized on Monday the necessity of revitalizing the national industrial sector and diversifying the state’s financial resources, stressing that Iraq’s heavy reliance on oil makes it vulnerable to crises and external pressures.
Speaking to the Information Agency, al-Fatlawi said, “Iraq must get back on its feet by reviving the once-thriving industrial sector, making it a source of hard currency and boosting state revenues.”
She added, “At the beginning of its term, the Parliament hosted the directors of customs, and several financial matters were discussed, in addition to issuing a number of resolutions aimed at easing the financial burden on the state,” noting that “the Parliament is working to strengthen non-oil resources.”
Al-Fatlawi explained that “Parliament has proposed strengthening non-oil revenue sources, including taxes and customs duties, as alternative sources of income that can bolster the state treasury beyond oil revenues,” emphasizing the importance of developing these sectors through mechanisms that ensure support for the national economy.
She clarified that the agricultural sector represents a significant resource that can strengthen the economy, noting demands for fair treatment of farmers, the disbursement of their dues, and increased water releases, in addition to addressing the fuel crisis that has impacted agricultural activity. This, she added, would contribute to achieving self-sufficiency, enabling the export of certain products, and providing additional financial resources for Iraq.
Al-Fatlawi stressed the necessity of focusing on the industrial sector, including military manufacturing, rubber, textiles, and aluminum industries, asserting that “Iraqi industry possesses high quality compared to some imported products, both in terms of quality and price.” She called on Parliament and the media to support and enhance non-oil revenues.
She pointed out that “a country with strong national sectors is not as susceptible to external pressures, and its national interests and policies remain more resilient,” noting that the closure of the Strait of Hormuz in a single moment could expose Iraq to a major crisis due to its reliance on oil and specific export routes.
Al-Fatlawi continued, stating that Iraq is required to utilize associated gas and invest in it to operate factories, and then potentially export it instead of wasting it or relying on imports. She also emphasized the need to establish and develop refineries for the production of gasoline, kerosene, and other petroleum products, questioning why a country possessing such vast resources is experiencing energy and resource crises.
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