Turkey aims to assist Syria in reviving oil and gas production, with Energy Minister Alparslan Bayraktar indicating plans for new pipelines and offering support for reconstruction efforts. Amid U.S. sanctions and conflict, Syria faces critical shortages due to halted imports from Iran and Iraq, necessitating collaboration to overcome these challenges.
Turkey has expressed its intention to engage in the revitalization of oil and gas production in Syria, according to a recent statement by Alparslan Bayraktar, Turkey’s Minister of Energy. In his address to the media, he emphasized Turkey’s commitment to assisting Syria with electricity supply, while also indicating that the expansion into oil and gas sectors is under consideration. Bayraktar remarked, “We are also studying the use of crude oil and natural gas for reconstruction of Syria,” while outlining plans to communicate with international partners regarding contributions to these initiatives. Furthermore, he mentioned proposed developments for new oil and gas pipelines linking Turkey and Syria, aiming to foster collaboration in resource management between the neighboring countries.
Syria’s current oil and gas production has been impeded by U.S. sanctions and ongoing conflict with rebel factions. Historically, Iran and Iraq served as Syria’s primary sources for crude oil. Nonetheless, in the wake of recent upheavals that undermined the Assad regime, Iranian oil supplies have ceased. Reports indicate that an Iranian tanker even reversed its course amid this political turmoil, which significantly affected Syria, which previously relied on around 60,000 barrels per day from Iran.
On the other hand, Iraq has also suspended oil exports to Syria as of December, further constricting Syria’s supply chains. Before this decision, Syria imported approximately 120,000 barrels of crude daily from Iraq, a situation compounded by the cessation of internal crude deliveries from eastern Syria, controlled by the Kurdish-affiliated Syrian Democratic Forces, to the rest of Syria, now dominated by the Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham group. This confluence of factors has created a critical oil supply crisis within Syria.
The ongoing crisis in Syria has been exacerbated by an assortment of interrelated issues, including external sanctions, internal insurgencies, and a deteriorating political landscape. Following the civil conflict and the recent changes in governance, Syria has seen a dramatic reduction in its oil imports. This has been compounded by the suspension of agricultural and resource support from traditional partners, notably Iran and Iraq. Consequently, the need for alternative partnerships and the revitalization of domestic production capabilities has become increasingly critical for Syria.
In conclusion, Turkey’s aspirations to play a role in Syria’s oil and gas production could significantly impact the region’s energy dynamics amid ongoing challenges posed by sanctions and wartime disruptions. Alparslan Bayraktar’s statements illustrate Turkey’s strategic intentions not only to assist in reconstruction efforts but also to establish new pipelines that could alter resource distribution in the region. As Syria grapples with shortages and a complex political environment, Turkey’s involvement may prove vital in stabilizing oil supply lines.
Original Source: oilprice.com
