Turkey intends to participate in the revival of Syria’s oil and gas production to assist with energy needs and reconstruction efforts. Energy Minister Alparslan Bayraktar highlighted Turkey’s plans to develop new pipelines and explore the utilization of crude oil and natural gas in Syria, which faces severe supply challenges due to sanctions and regional conflict.
Turkey has expressed its intentions to be involved in reinstating oil and gas production in Syria, as reported by Bloomberg. In a statement to the media, Energy Minister Alparslan Bayraktar mentioned that Turkey is currently engaged in efforts to assist Syria with its electricity requirements and is considering expanding its involvement to include oil and gas. He stated, “We are also studying the use of crude oil and natural gas for reconstruction of Syria. Our objective is to develop these projects.” Plans for establishing new oil and gas pipelines linking Syria and Turkey are also being discussed.
Syria has faced significant challenges regarding its oil and gas production due to U.S. sanctions and ongoing conflict with rebel factions. Historically, Iran and Iraq have been Syria’s primary suppliers of crude oil. However, following a recent upheaval that affected the Assad government, crude oil supplies from Iran ceased. Notably, one tanker redirected its course away from Syria upon hearing the news of the regime change. Previously, Iran was supplying Syria with approximately 60,000 barrels of oil daily, while Syria’s self-produced oil amounts to 80,000 barrels per day, sourced entirely from areas in eastern Syria controlled by the Kurdish-affiliated Syrian Democratic Forces.
Additionally, Iraq has halted its oil shipments to Syria, compounding the country’s supply challenges. Reports indicate that Iraq was exporting about 120,000 barrels of crude oil daily to Syria, and the cessation of these imports represents a significant strain. The situation is further complicated by the interruption of internal crude oil transfers within Syria, especially from eastern regions governed by the Syrian Democratic Forces to areas controlled by the Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham group, a faction previously classified as terrorist by many entities due to its links with Al Qaeda during the Syrian civil conflict.
The topic of Turkey’s involvement in Syrian oil and gas production is situated within a broader context of geopolitical and economic challenges in the region. Following years of civil war and conflict, Syria’s energy sector has been severely impacted, with sanctions attributed to U.S. policies significantly inhibiting oil production capabilities. Furthermore, political shifts within Syria and the withdrawal of key suppliers like Iran and Iraq have created an urgent need for alternative arrangements, thereby positioning Turkey as a potential partner for reconstruction and energy revival. Turkey’s strategic interests also include securing energy supplies and exerting influence over its neighboring region during this unstable period.
In conclusion, Turkey’s desire to participate in reviving Syria’s oil and gas production reflects the urgent energy needs of the Syrian state amidst ongoing shortages exacerbated by sanctions and geopolitical instability. With historical ties and strategic aspirations, Turkey aims to offer assistance in reconstruction while fostering bilateral energy projects, including new pipeline developments. The evolving dynamics in the region will require careful navigation as stakeholders seek to stabilize and revitalize oil and gas production in Syria.
Original Source: oilprice.com
