Russia has become Syria’s primary oil supplier, with shipments increasing by 75% to approximately 60,000 barrels per day this year. This shift comes despite Syria’s new government’s Western alignment and skepticism about Russia’s military backing of former leader Bashar al-Assad, who fell from power in December 2024. Previously, Iran was Syria’s main crude supplier, but following Assad’s ousting, Russia has taken the lead in oil exports. Syria’s domestic oil production is significantly below demand, with daily needs estimated at 120,000 to 150,000 barrels. The reliance on Russian oil raises concerns about potential vulnerabilities to Western sanctions, especially as Syria seeks to diversify its suppliers amid limited options in the global market.
Why It Matters
The dynamics of Syria’s oil supply underscore the country’s precarious economic situation following a protracted civil war. With domestic oil production drastically reduced to around 35,000 barrels per day, Syria’s dependence on Russian oil highlights the challenges in re-integrating into the global economy after years of sanctions. Although the U.S. and Europe lifted some sanctions last year, the Syrian economy remains fragile and underdeveloped. This dependency on Russian oil, which has been facilitated by an increase in tankers arriving under Western sanctions, could complicate Syria’s diplomatic relations with Western nations as it navigates its post-war recovery.
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