Syria begins transit of imported gasoline to Iraq via Al-Tanf — Jerusalem Post

Syria has begun transporting imported gasoline to Iraq through the Al-Tanf border crossing on the Syrian-Iraqi border. The first shipment of 57 tanker trucks set off on the route on Thursday, with the flow planned to increase to approximately 200 trucks per day, The Jerusalem Post reports, citing Syria’s state news agency SANA.

Supplies through Baniyas

According to the Syrian Petroleum Company, the gasoline is purchased by the Qatari company UCC from international suppliers. The fuel arrives in Syria via the oil terminal in Baniyas, after which the Syrian side organizes its transportation to Iraq and receives transit fees.

Before departure, workers inspect the tanker trucks’ tanks, the cargo weight, and seal the containers. Customs officers also verify documents and truck numbers. The supply agreement was concluded for three months, with the possibility of extension. Its stated purpose is to provide Iraq with fuel amid disruptions to shipping through the Strait of Hormuz.

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A new energy route

Ahmed Kubbaji, deputy head of the Syrian Petroleum Company for transportation and storage, said that between 1,000 and 1,200 tanker trucks carrying Iraqi oil already pass through Syrian territory every day. Transport volumes depend, among other things, on weather, transport activity, and the arrival of tankers.

Gasoline and fuel oil are currently transported through Al-Tanf. The Syrian company is also considering transit through other border crossings and the transportation of other cargoes to Iraq, including coal and sulfur. Separately, Syria is preparing the Arab Gas Pipeline for operation toward the border with Jordan and a branch line to Lebanon.

In addition, Syria has signed a memorandum of understanding on the proposed Kirkuk-Baniyas oil pipeline. According to Kubbaji, the project involves the foreign companies Chevron, Total, and UCC.