Iraq has halted crude oil exports to Syria amid rising security concerns, leading to a significant oil supply crisis. Syria’s daily oil imports from Iraq, approximately 120,000 barrels, have ceased, compounded by the lack of internal oil distributions from the Kurdish-controlled east to other regions. Iran’s oil exports have similarly stopped, contributing to skyrocketing fuel prices and logistical difficulties amid the ongoing political transitions in Syria.
Iraq has ceased its crude oil exports to Syria, a development confirmed by an Iraqi parliament member on social media, as reported by BNE Intellinews. This decision aligns with concerns expressed by Foreign Minister Fuad Hussain regarding the escalating security challenges in Syria due to the influence of Islamist factions. As a result, Syria, which previously imported approximately 120,000 barrels of oil per day from Iraq, is now experiencing a severe supply crisis. This situation is exacerbated by the suspension of internal oil deliveries from eastern Syria, controlled by the Syrian Democratic Forces, to other regions dominated by the Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham group, which had previously been affiliated with Al Qaeda during the Syrian civil conflict.
Moreover, following a recent insurgence that significantly altered Syria’s political landscape, the flow of oil from Iran, which contributed about 60,000 barrels per day to Syria, has also come to a halt. Reports indicate that tankers have even reversed their courses in response to the shifting power dynamics. In light of these events, Syria’s domestic oil production, roughly 80,000 barrels per day, remains confined to eastern territories held by Kurdish forces.
The implications of these developments are already apparent, with fuel prices in Syria soaring as fuel station reserves dwindle. Logistics regarding the transportation of gasoline and diesel from the nation’s refineries have become increasingly challenging due to the transitional political climate.
The recent cessation of Iraqi oil exports to Syria draws attention to the fragile geopolitical state of the region. Iraq’s decision comes amidst rising security concerns linked to Islamist groups gaining prominence in Syria. The cessation highlights the extent to which these geopolitical shifts affect energy supplies, with both Iraq and Iran playing critical roles in meeting Syria’s oil needs. The additional factors, such as internal conflicts within Syria and the control of key oil-producing regions by different factions, further complicate the situation. A thorough understanding of the Syrian oil supply crisis necessitates an awareness of the interplay between regional politics and energy security.
The suspension of Iraqi oil shipments to Syria marks a significant escalation in the ongoing oil supply crisis exacerbated by regional instability and the challenges posed by internal factions within Syria. With Iranian support also faltering, Syria faces dire implications for its fuel supply and economic stability. This situation necessitates careful observation due to its potential impact on the security and humanitarian conditions in the region.
Original Source: oilprice.com
