LONG lines formed at petrol stations in Baghdad yesterday as word spread that Iraq's largest oil refinery had shut down in the face of threats against truck drivers, and fears grew of a petrol shortage.

Long lines formed at gas stations in Baghdad today as word spread that Iraq’s largest oil refinery had shut down in the face of threats against truck drivers, and fears grew of a petrol shortage.

Iraq’s largest oil refinery has been shut down because of the deteriorating security situation in the region, Minister of Oil Ibrahim Bahar el-Ulom said today.