Syrian oil and gas

Overview

• Syria was once the Mediterranean’s leading oil and natural gas producer.
• Syria is no longer able to export oil.
• Government revenues from the energy sector have fallen significantly.
• Prior to current conflict, Syria produced 383 000 bpd of oil and 316 million ft3/d of natural gas.
• Preconflict, Syria’s oil and gas sector accounted for approximately ¼ of government revenues.
• There are major challenges in supplying fuel oil to Syrian citizens.
• If the fighting were to subside, it would take years for the Syrian domestic energy system to return to preconflict operating status.
• The Ministry of Petroleum and Mineral Resources oversees the Syrian oil and natural gas sectors.

Oil

• As of January 2015, Syria had estimated proved oil reserves of 2.5 billion bbls.
• Most of the country’s crude oil is heavy and sour.
• Sanctions placed on Syria, by the EU in particular have limited the number of markets available to import and process heavy Syrian crude.
• Syrian oil production has essentially been at a stand still since 2014.
• The country’s two main refineries are currently operating at less than half the normal capacity.
• The nameplate capacity of the refineries is approximately 240 000 bpd.
• Further sanctions are making importing petroleum products difficult so there is a shortage in the country.
• Oil theft is a problem in the country, as Syrian officials are claiming that hundreds of barrels of crude oil are being stolen and shipped to neighbouring countries each day.
• Due to sanctions enforced by the EU and USA, almost all IOCs and NOCS have ceased operations in Syria.
• In 2010, Syria imported an average of 105 000 bpd of refined petroleum products and exported 36 000 bpd.
• In 2010, Syria was exporting over 150 000 bpd of crude oil, but this figure is now effectively zero.
• Iran continues to supply Syria with approximately 60 000 bpd of crude oil, but this is insufficient to meet demand.

Natural gas

• At the start of this year, Syria reportedly had 8.5 trillion ft3 of proven natural gas reserves.
• Commercial and residential customers use most of the country’s natural gas for power generation.
• Natural gas is used in oil recovery efforts in the country.
• In 2008, Syria became a net importer of natural gas.
• In 2010, the last year of normal operating conditions, Syria produced 316 billion ft3 of dry natural gas.
• Syria has never produced sufficient volumes of natural gas for export.