Trump welcomes idea of oil route through Syria
US President Donald Trump responded favorably to the prospect of using Syria as an alternative route for transporting oil bypassing the Strait of Hormuz. In a Truth Social post, he commented on a Washington Post headline about Syria's ambition to become a Middle Eastern transport hub.
As the Jerusalem Post reports, Iraq is considering exporting oil by pipeline through Syria to avoid possible disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz. According to Reuters, construction of such a project could take four years and cost at least $15 billion. A consortium involving Chevron has provided initial support for feasibility studies.
Route to Baniyas
A 1952 pipeline connects Iraq's Kirkuk with the Syrian city of Baniyas on the Mediterranean coast, but it needs repairs. Until the pipeline is restored, energy resources may be transported overland by trucks. The Washington Post reported that trucks began operating between oil refineries in southern Iraq and the port of Baniyas in April as an experiment by Iraqi oil exporters.
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Ahmad Qubbadji, deputy head of Syria's state-owned Syrian Petroleum Corporation, said the final contract for the new pipeline is expected to be signed in September. According to him, the consortium includes Chevron, France's TotalEnergies, as well as Syrian and Qatari investors. The participants are discussing security measures, including the use of drones and surveillance technologies.
Other energy projects
In June, Syrian Petroleum Company concluded an agreement with ConocoPhillips and energy company Novaterra to restore gas fields in Syria and develop a new field. In July, ConocoPhillips announced an agreement with BP to acquire a 42% stake in BP Energy Company of Kirkuk Limited, which is involved in restoring four major oil fields in the Kirkuk area of northern Iraq.
Syrian authorities are also continuing economic contacts with other countries. An international fair was held in Damascus with the participation of around one thousand companies and organizations from 60 countries. Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa held a meeting with representatives of Germany's Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development. Syria is also working to restore Mezze Airport for civil aviation.
