Iraq is buying 150,000 tonnes of white sugar through direct contract rather than tender to cover its food ration needs, the trade ministry said.

A source close to the trade minister said contracts were signed on Friday with companies from Jordan and the UAE to supply the sugar, and it should be delivered in a few days.

The source did not disclose the companies involved.

He added the ministry decided to make the sugar purchase after acting Trade Minister Ross Nouri Shawis met with officials from southern provinces who complained that their residents had not received sugar and other food ration items for months.

"The sugar was a problem for some southern provinces," the source said.

On Thursday, about 1,000 protesters gathered south of the city of Diwaniya to demand improved food rations and more electricity and water. – Reuters