Syria exports 600k barrels of heavy oil from Tartus: SANA

Syria exports 600k barrels of heavy oil from Tartus: SANA

Syria has exported 600,000 barrels of heavy crude oil from the port of Tartus, marking the first official export of Syrian oil in 14 years, according to a statement from the Syrian energy ministry [1]. This shipment was sold to B Serve Energy, a trading firm linked to global oil trader BB Energy.

The export comes after the lifting of U.S. sanctions following the December fall of Bashar al-Assad and the end of Syria's civil war. The Syrian government, under the new Islamist-led administration, is focused on reviving the country's economy, which was devastated by the conflict.

Syria's energy minister, Riyad al-Joubasi, stated that the oil was extracted from several Syrian fields, though he did not specify which ones. The majority of Syrian oil fields are located in the northeast, an area controlled by Kurdish-led authorities. These authorities have been providing oil to the central government in Damascus since February, but relations have deteriorated due to concerns about inclusivity and minority rights.

The oil was exported on the Nissos Christiana tanker. The export marks a significant step in Syria's efforts to rebuild its oil and gas industry, which was severely impacted by the war and sanctions. The country has also signed an $800 million memorandum of understanding with DP World to develop a multi-purpose terminal at Tartus, following the cancellation of a contract with a Russian firm.

The lifting of U.S. sanctions in June has facilitated the development of a master plan by U.S.-based firms to help explore and extract Syrian oil and gas. This move is part of broader efforts to restore Syria's economic stability and infrastructure.

References:
[1] https://www.reuters.com/business/energy/syria-exports-first-crude-oil-shipment-14-years-official-says-2025-09-01/