Iranian natural gas supplies to Iraq have increased significantly over the past week. Iraqi Ministry of Electricity spokesman Ahmed Musa said export volumes rose from around 6 million cubic meters per day to 18 million cubic meters per day, Reuters reports.

According to him, the additional gas volumes were directed primarily to the southern regions of Iraq, where major power plants are located.

The increase in supplies should help stabilize electricity production in the country amid heightened demand and the unstable regional situation.

Iraq is heavily dependent on energy supplies from Iran. According to Iraqi authorities, imports of Iranian gas and electricity account for between a third and approximately 40% of the country's electricity needs. Any supply disruptions directly affect power plant operations and can lead to electricity outages.