Iraq has suspended oil exports to Syria due to security concerns over Islamist groups, creating a supply crisis. Syria, which once received 120,000 barrels daily from Iraq and 60,000 from Iran, faces skyrocketing fuel prices and severe shortages as internal distribution is hindered by Kurdish control and ongoing conflict.
Iraq has halted crude oil deliveries to Syria, as indicated by a member of the Iraqi parliament on social media, further confirmed by Iraq’s Foreign Minister. The stop, effective immediately, stems from rising security concerns linked to Islamist factions in Syria. Previously, Syria depended on about 120,000 barrels of oil per day from Iraq, which has now significantly strained their supply amidst escalating tensions in the region. Furthermore, internal deliveries from eastern Syria have ceased due to Kurdish control, exacerbating the oil supply crisis. Iran’s oil shipments to Syria have also been interrupted following a recent regime change in Syria, eliminating an additional 60,000 barrels that were being imported daily. Additionally, domestic oil production has faced challenges, indicating that Syria’s total production capacity of 80,000 barrels per day is insufficient to meet the growing demands of its populace amidst this crisis. As a result, fuel prices have surged, with residents experiencing difficulties at fuel stations and disruptions in gas and diesel transportation due to the current transitional situation.
The growing tensions in Syria, particularly following the takeover by Islamist groups, have had profound effects on the regional oil supply. Syria, which previously relied heavily on imports from both Iraq and Iran, has found itself increasingly isolated as these supplies have been cut off. The Kurdish Syrian Democratic Forces’ control over eastern regions complicates the situation further, making internal distribution within Syria more challenging. Consequently, these dynamics point to an escalating energy crisis within a country already beset by significant conflict and instability since the Syrian civil war began.
In summary, Iraq’s cessation of oil exports to Syria coupled with the halt of Iranian shipments presents a dire supply crisis for the war-torn nation. This disruption threatens to exacerbate existing humanitarian issues as fuel prices soar and shortages become more acute. With heightened security concerns and the ongoing volatility of the situation, it remains crucial for observers to monitor the developments that could impact regional stability and humanitarian conditions in Syria.
Original Source: oilprice.com
