Turkey Signals Interest in Oil and Gas Role in Syria Amid Growing Crisis

Turkey has expressed interest in contributing to the revival of Syria's oil and gas production as the country grapples with a severe energy crisis, exacerbated by U.S. sanctions and regional instability. Alparslan Bayraktar, Turkey’s Energy Minister, announced that Turkey is exploring ways to assist Syria, not only in addressing its electricity supply issues but also in reestablishing its oil and gas infrastructure.

In a statement, Bayraktar emphasized that Turkey is studying the use of crude oil and natural gas for Syria's reconstruction, with plans to discuss how it can support these efforts. Additionally, Turkey is considering the construction of new oil and gas pipelines connecting Syria and Turkey as part of its broader strategy to enhance energy cooperation in the region.

Syria has faced significant challenges in maintaining its oil and gas production, with both its domestic supply and imports from neighboring countries like Iran and Iraq dwindling. U.S. sanctions and ongoing conflicts with rebel groups have further complicated the situation. Prior to the recent political changes in Syria, Iran was supplying around 60,000 barrels of oil daily to Syria. However, these supplies have halted following the recent insurgence that toppled the Assad government, leading to a supply crunch.

With Iraq also suspending oil deliveries to Syria in early December, the country faces a critical energy shortage. Syria's internal oil production, which is limited to about 80,000 barrels per day, has also been disrupted due to control issues in eastern Syria, where the Kurdish-affiliated Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) have a strong presence.