Iraq and Syria Agree to Study Reactivation of Banias Pipeline

Strategic Insights -

Iraq and Syria have reached an agreement to study the possibility of reactivating the Banias pipeline to export Iraqi oil through Syrian territory. The agreement was announced during talks between Hayan Abdul-Ghani Al-Sawad, Iraqi Deputy Prime Minister for Energy Affairs and Minister of Oil, and Mohammed Bashir, Syrian Minister of Energy. A joint committee will be formed to examine the pipeline's condition and assess its feasibility, with a proposal to engage an international consultant to determine the pipeline's operational readiness. This move is part of Iraq's efforts to increase its export capacities, including through the Turkish pipeline and the Lebanese Tripoli pipeline.

Key Takeaways:

  • The agreement between Iraq and Syria includes the formation of a joint committee to examine the Banias pipeline's condition and assess its feasibility.
  • The joint committee will propose engaging an international consultant to determine the pipeline's operational readiness, pumping systems, and viability for rehabilitation.
  • Iraq aims to increase its export capacities through various pipelines, including the Turkish pipeline via the port of Ceyhan, and the Lebanese Tripoli pipeline.
  • The Basra-Haditha pipeline project will have a capacity of 2.25 million barrels and will secure export volumes through the Syrian pipeline.
  • Iraq has achieved significant progress in gas investment and oil refining, according to Iraqi Deputy Prime Minister for Energy Affairs and Minister of Oil Hayan Abdul-Ghani Al-Sawad.
  • Al-Sawad emphasized Iraq's commitment to increasing its oil export capacities through various pipelines, including the Syrian Banias pipeline and the Turkish pipeline.
  • The revival of the Banias pipeline could potentially increase oil exports from Iraq to other countries through Syria.

Statistics:

  • 2.25 million barrels: the capacity of the Basra-Haditha pipeline project.
  • Multiple pipelines: Iraq plans to increase export capacities through various pipelines, including the Turkish pipeline through the port of Ceyhan and the Lebanese Tripoli pipeline.

Sources:

  • Iraqi News Agency
  • Ministry of Oil (Iraq)
  • Statement by Hayan Abdul-Ghani Al-Sawad, Iraqi Deputy Prime Minister for Energy Affairs and Minister of Oil