Oil fields are burning due to conflicts of interest, what is the fate of Syria?
Last Updated on December 17, 2024 6:09 am
The future of Syria’s oil and energy sector is currently in an uncertain state due to geopolitical changes and conflicts of international interests.
After the fall of President Bashar al-Assad, the country’s geographical and political situation is now facing new challenges.
History of Syrian oil: Discovery and production time
In 1933, the Iraqi Petroleum Company discovered the first oil field in Kirkuk, Iraq. It extends to Deir ez-Zor in eastern Syria. Commercial oil production in the country began in 1956.
State control
After the Ba’ath Party seized power in 1963, a law was enacted in 1964 that prohibited foreign companies from exploring for and investing in oil in Syria. In 1974, the Syrian Petroleum Company was established. It established full control over the country’s oil and gas production.
Al-Furat Petroleum Company was established in Syria in 1980. In which the state share was 65 percent. In addition, foreign companies such as Shell and Petro-Canada play a significant role in the partnership.
In addition, in the early 1990s, the French company Total began operations in Syria. But the company withdrew due to bilateral pressure. However, between 2007 and 2011, Total returned to Syria along with other Western companies. Although the presence of American companies in Syria has decreased since the 1980s.
Oil fields under SDF and US control
Meanwhile, the US-backed Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) control 90 percent of the country’s oil and gas and a large part of the natural resources. The SDF’s dominance is so great that they have also seized infrastructure owned by other foreign companies through agreements signed with Damascus.
Role of the United States
Although the presence of American companies is not significant, the US military has maintained its presence in the Syrian oil fields. However, due to international sanctions, the oil under SDF control cannot be sold on the international market. However, it is sold on the black market for $15 per barrel. As a result, ordinary Syrian citizens do not benefit much from it.
According to experts, the influence of the US-backed SDF may increase in the future. However, there is considerable doubt about whether US support will continue under the Trump administration.
Because Trump also threatened to withdraw US military assistance from Syria in 2019. However, he ultimately agreed to keep a limited number of US troops in Syria on the condition that Syria’s oil exports continue.
Turkey’s Possible Role
The fall of Bashar al-Assad in Syria and the decline in the influence of his allies have made the American-Kurdish axis and Turkey the most important players in this regard.
Like the US, Turkey is also interested in Syria’s oil fields. The possibility of their control over Syria’s oil fields cannot be ruled out due to their support for the Tahrir al-Sham group.
Finally, it can be said that the future of Syria’s oil fields largely depends on local and international political changes. The SDF, the US and Turkey want to strengthen their positions as major players in these areas. Which is posing a major challenge to regional stability.
Source: Mehr News Agency