Iraqi Oil Minister Hussein al-Shahristani Friday revoked electricity privileges enjoyed by government officials as he took temporary control of the power portfolio amid public fury over rationing.

Shahristani, a key ally of Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki, said his measures would redirect much-needed supplies to a national grid that currently provides ordinary citizens with power for only one hour in every five, or less.

"It is impossible for anyone who takes responsibility [for electricity] for a few days to end the suffering of the Iraqi people," he told reporters at a news conference in Baghdad .

"But I have taken these measures to reduce the problems facing those who have a limited amount of electricity," a situation that sparked a riot in the southern city of Basra on June 19 that saw two men shot dead by police.

Shahristani said he had ordered a stop to special supply measures benefiting Iraqi officials who lived in the International Green Zone and other areas of the capital.

The country's daily power generation averages 8,000 megawatts, while demand amid temperatures that have hit 54 degrees Celsius is typically more than 14,000 MW, forcing the use of rationing.

Shahristani also said production increases ordered at several power stations, including ones at Beiji, 200 kilometers north of Baghdad , and Nasiriyah, a southern city, would increase production by 250 MW.

Maliki Wednesday accepted the resignation of Karim Wahid, who as electricity minister had been the main target of protests over limited power supplies as temperatures across the country soared.

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