Shafaq News – Baghdad

Baghdad topped all Iraqi provinces in budget allocations during the first seven months of 2025, receiving $327 million, the Eco Iraq Observatory reported on Saturday.

Basra followed with $297 million, then al-Anbar ($287 million), Karbala ($281 million), and Nineveh ($191 million). Basra also led operational spending with $207 million, ahead of al-Anbar ($122 million) and Babil ($87 million), while Saladin ($37 million) and al-Muthanna ($31 million) ranked lowest.

For investment budgets, Baghdad again placed first with $273 million, followed by Karbala ($229 million), al-Anbar ($165 million), and Basra ($90 million). Saladin registered no investment activity, while al-Muthanna and Dhi Qar spent $22 million and $27 million, respectively.

The Observatory previously reported Iraq’s budget deficit at $5.2 billion for the first half of 2025, with expenditures totaling $49.6 billion and oil revenues—making up more than 90% of income—insufficient to cover monthly costs. Iraq requires oil prices above $81 per barrel to achieve a balanced budget.

Read more: Without oil: Iraq's economic future hanging in the balance

Unequal allocations are widening development gaps among provinces, the report warned, urging the government to adopt fairer fiscal policies to promote balanced national growth.

Read more: Iraq’s budget: political fiscal gaps threaten national stability in 2025