ECONOMIST: LOWER OIL PRICES MAY PUSH IRAQ TO REDUCE EXCHANGE RATE AND CUT EXPENSES
Economic expert Nabil Al Marsomi warned today, Monday, that the continued decline in oil prices will put the Iraqi government before difficult choices, including those that may include reducing the exchange rate to confront financial challenges.
(Mnt Goat- by reducing the exchange rate they mean to devalue the currency. Get it? It does not mean a revaluation. Again they do not mean taking 1310 and making for instance 1200, which would be a literal reduction.
But they do not mean literal reduction instead they mean a reduction in the value of the dinar, meaning it would take more dollars to buy a dinar and thus the dinar would be worth less in Iraq than it is today. Think, Think and Think! Gosh….
Stop listening to these idiot intel gurus. Why else would Iraq tell us it would be a “difficult decision”. If it was a revaluation, it would not be difficult, it would be easy. The difficulty comes in a devaluation.)
Al-Marsoumi told Al-Furat News Agency that “the government may be forced to take austerity measures that include reducing public expenditures and increasing non-oil revenues,” noting that “the oil market is currently suffering from significant weakness, with a decline in oil policy that may include imposing fees on some countries such as China, Canada and Mexico, in addition to the possibility of canceling the OPEC Plus agreement, which stipulates reducing production by two million barrels per day.”
He added, “These expectations indicate further declines in oil prices in the coming weeks, which will negatively affect the Iraqi economy.”
"Iraq’s Energy Crisis & Dinar Exchange Rate Shift! 🔥🇮🇶💰" Bonus
Highlights
Summary
In this insightful discussion, the complexities of Iraq’s energy dependency on Iranian imports are explored. The conversation highlights the significant reliance of Iraq on Iranian electricity and natural gas, which is crucial for its power generation. The potential consequences of losing this energy lifeline are dire, including widespread power outages, economic turmoil, and social unrest.
However, the discussion also sheds light on Iraq’s proactive measures to diversify its energy sources and reduce reliance on Iran, including strategic international partnerships, solar energy projects, and the development of domestic natural gas resources.
Despite these efforts, the urgency for immediate solutions is emphasized, reflecting the intricate balance Iraq must maintain between addressing current energy needs and planning for a more independent future.
⚡ Iraq’s Energy Dependency: Iraq relies heavily on Iran for approximately 1,500 megawatts of electricity and natural gas, creating a precarious energy situation.
🏥 Impact on Essential Services: Prolonged power outages could critically affect hospitals, businesses, and essential services, leading to chaos and public unrest.
📉 Economic Consequences: A loss of reliable energy supply could cripple businesses, resulting in job losses and economic downturn.
🌞 Renewable Energy Initiatives: Iraq is pursuing solar energy projects, such as the 1.225 GW solar farm partnership with Qatar, to reduce its dependency on Iranian imports.
🔗 Regional Energy Cooperation: Plans to connect with Gulf neighbors for a more diversified energy supply are underway, though they face delays and challenges.
🌍 Domestic Gas Production: Iraq is focusing on developing its natural gas reserves to lessen reliance on imports, particularly through projects like the Mansuria gas field.
⚖️ Balancing Acts: Iraq faces the challenge of managing immediate energy needs while working towards a more independent energy future, amidst ongoing geopolitical complexities.
Key Insights
⚡ Vulnerability of Energy Dependency: Iraq’s dependence on Iranian energy imports poses significant risks. If these imports were to cease, the immediate aftermath would likely include rolling blackouts and a humanitarian crisis, particularly in summer when demand peaks. The potential for widespread social unrest is heightened, as citizens have previously protested against inadequate electricity services, indicating a historical precedent for civil unrest tied to energy shortages.
🏥 Critical Infrastructure at Risk: The ramifications of energy shortages extend beyond mere inconvenience; they threaten the stability of essential services such as healthcare. Hospitals, which rely on consistent power for life-saving equipment, could face severe operational challenges. This highlights the urgent need for Iraq to develop a more resilient energy infrastructure to safeguard public health and safety.
📉 Economic Ripple Effects: The loss of a reliable energy supply would not only disrupt individual livelihoods but could also lead to a broader economic crisis. Businesses would struggle to operate, leading to increased unemployment and potential long-term economic stagnation. The discussion underscores the interconnectedness of energy supply and economic stability, emphasizing the need for a robust energy strategy to protect Iraq’s economic future.
🌞 Innovation in Renewable Energy: Iraq’s commitment to renewable energy, particularly through solar power, marks a significant shift towards sustainable practices. The partnership with Qatar to develop a large solar farm is a promising step in reducing dependency on fossil fuels and diversifying energy sources. This shift is not only environmentally beneficial but also positions Iraq to take advantage of its abundant sunlight and reduce its carbon footprint.
🔗 Regional Energy Alliances: Collaborations with neighboring countries to create a more interconnected energy grid could help mitigate risks associated with dependency on a single source. However, political tensions and logistical challenges complicate these initiatives. The potential for energy cooperation in the Gulf region represents both an opportunity and a challenge for Iraq as it seeks to balance its energy needs with geopolitical realities.
🌍 Unlocking Domestic Resources: The development of Iraq’s natural gas reserves, particularly through projects like the Mansuria gas field, offers a pathway to energy independence. By capturing and utilizing gas that is currently being flared off, Iraq could substantially enhance its energy production capabilities. This approach not only addresses energy needs but also aligns with global trends towards cleaner energy production.
⚖️ Navigating Geopolitical Complexities: Iraq’s energy strategy must contend with the broader geopolitical landscape of the Middle East. The intricate relationships with neighboring countries can impact energy cooperation significantly. As Iraq works to navigate these complexities, it must remain vigilant of the potential for sudden changes that could affect its energy security, illustrating the delicate balance of energy independence in a politically volatile region.
In conclusion, Iraq’s energy situation is a multifaceted issue that encapsulates the challenges of dependency, economic stability, and the pursuit of sustainable energy solutions. The interplay of regional politics, domestic resource management, and the urgency of immediate energy needs creates a complex landscape that Iraq must navigate to secure a stable and independent energy future.
As the nation strives to reduce its reliance on Iranian imports and invest in renewable energy and domestic resources, the path forward will require strategic planning, international cooperation, and a commitment to addressing both current and future energy challenges.
Coffee with MarkZ , joined by Andy Schectman. 03/12/2025
Coffee with MarkZ , joined by Andy Schectman. 03/12/2025
MarkZ Update- Some highlights by PDK-Not verbatim
MarkZ Disclaimer: Please consider everything on this call as my opinion. People who take notes do not catch everything and its best to watch the video so that you get everything in context. Be sure to consult a professional for any financial decisions
Member: Good morning Mark! Good morning Mods and Patriots!
Member: Woo-hoooooo!! Let’s gooooo! Wish you could Flip the switch Mark! Any news today?
MZ: As I mentioned on the news last night- I now have a couple individuals that have been issued travel dollars to get to bond appointments over the coming days. Between now and early next week.
MZ: This is an absolute “first “that we have seen this happening. These are bond holders…not paymasters and facilitators. These are not attorneys with groups. This is something I have never seen in this process . this is an excellent sign.
MZ: I am trying to track down contacts in the original Farm Claims and Omega Prosperity packages and CMKX. I do not yet have updates on those.
MZ: I am also trying to find out if Wealth management/redemption contacts will be working this weekend of not. I am hoping they already know. This would tell us how confident banks are if they already scheduled folks to work this weekend. I will let you know when I find out.
Member: I wonder- Who is paying the bondholders to go? That’s certainly interesting
Member: So with this BOND news, what is your gut on tier 4b getting to go?
Member: What are the tiers? What tier would zim holders be in
MZ: If you are still holding your physical Zim….you would be in tier 4b along with the rest of the currency exchanges…..If you have already handed your zim over to a group and have an SKR (safe keeping receipt) it is tier 4a.
Member: this is an old one but- There are 5 Tiers of folks Exchanging. Tier 1-governments and royalty Tier 2-whales-elite with platforms of currency, corporations, etc. Tier 3-Admirals Group, American Indians, CMKX, large church groups (like the Mormons), etc. Tier 4-all the hundreds of thousands paying attention to intel - internet groups(all of us). Tier 5- those who never paid attn - the general public.
Member: Europe is trying to install the central bank digital currency to control their people
MZ: yes thanks to Christine LaGarde. I used to think she was on our side. She very clearly isn’t . She is pushing hard at the EU for a FIAT CBDC. If the US falls the world collapses. It will come back but would be pretty ugly.
Member: If the US is gold/asset backed….and Iraq and many others as well…doesn’t it make sense for the rate to be 1 to 1?
MZ: Yes…that is the plan. First they revalue to adjust values…then they reset to go to parity. 1 to 1 based on assets.
Member: if they go right to reset….and everything just goes 1 to 1…..that would mean all the currencies will be 1 to 1…so for those with bolivar, vnd, rupiah and IQD…we would still do ok. Wish they would just do it.
MZ: I do have a Venezuela update from someone on the ground in Venezuela. The internet over there has been non-functional on a national level in the last day or two. The news is saying that many peoples credit cards will stop functioning because the digital banking platform is being changed to a new one.
MZ: in other words they are making a complete change of the Venezuelan banking system and they are warning people their credit cards will not work for a brief period. This is an update of their entire national system…I think it’s a big “tell”
Member: is trump really petitioning congress to end the IRS?
MZ: Yes he is really working on it. There are many ideas making the rounds in DC. Determining what is practical and what could work.
Member: Mark heard DOGE Dividend check approval is included in the budget bill just passed by Congress
MZ: I have not heard that. But they have to save money before they can send us money.
Member: You know the senate will block the budget bill just passed by the house. I am worried nothing can get done now.
Member: Maybe a shutdown could cause a flip of the switch to the new QFS?
Member: BANK Story: My mom went to Truist. She asked the lady if Truist would be a part of the RV & bank lady said I’m not sure. My mom said So you know about the RV & bank lady said Oh yes we have dinar
Member: When I inquired about my dinar and currencies…at his office Branch manager at chase told me he has 3 private clients waiting for the same . Very familiar with RV. That’s all he said .
Member: Rashid to an American newspaper: Iraq is ready to mediate between Washington and Tehran
MZ: Articles today asking the government what are the reasons for delaying sending the budget tables to parliament? They have everything. They have done everything and they have agreed to everything. Why don’t’ they have the budget tables???
MZ: My opinion is because they have the new rate in it…..that is why. It is very clear they are trying to hide something that is in those budget tables.
Member: Iraq is probably waiting for April 1st or the beginning of a new qtr.
Member: The Kurdistan Region’s Ministry of Finance has released the delayed February payday schedule for civil servants and security personnel, set to begin Thursday and conclude Tuesday.
...it is important to see and understand just what is really happening in Iraq and what has to change...
They need to peg the dinar to a basket to prevent these wide swings every time there is a hiccup in the oil market pricing of oil...
the value of the Iraqi dinar is already there...
they have large quantities of oil reserves...along with the other products ...gold stockpiles and the monetary CBI reserves, the assets can [make] the dinar rate far greater than 1/6 of a penny for a dinar...
they are still artificially suppressing the dinar and I believe they are still holding to this Obama/Biden foreign policy due to the economic war between Iran and the US, at lease for the time being.
The currency resetting has to take place as some point...
If you look at the Dr Shabibi plan to get to the reinstatement you can clearly see...he planned to put the brakes on after each step, then monitor closely for inflation... Folks the process is working…