-- Russia has become Syria's primary oil supplier, despite Damascus' Western alignment, according to a Reuters report published Friday.
The development underscores a pragmatic energy partnership that persists despite lingering resentment over Moscow's backing of former leader Bashar al-Assad, ousted in December 2024 after a 14-year civil war.
Two analysts and three Syrian officials reportedly said the growing oil trade between Damascus and Moscow is driven largely by economic necessity, while also strengthening Russia's leverage in a country where it maintains key naval and air bases.
Although the relationship risks further straining Syria's ties with the EU and the US, officials acknowledge that Damascus currently has few viable alternatives.
was unable to obtain a response from Syria's Ministry of Energy despite multiple attempts.
Experts warn the arrangement could expose Syria's already fragile energy sector to renewed Western sanctions.
If geopolitical tensions, particularly involving Ukraine, escalate, Washington could pressure Syria to halt Russian oil imports abruptly. Syrian authorities are aware of this vulnerability and have so far unsuccessfully attempted to secure alternative suppliers, including exploring a potential deal with Turkey.
Reuters cited maritime analytics firm SynMax, which said Syria's limited financial capacity, combined with years of conflict, has severely restricted its access to conventional tanker operators.
As a result, Russian-linked shipping networks have become one of the few practical options. While these networks may pose reputational risks as Syria attempts to rebuild its commercial standing, a rapid shift to standard global supply chains appears unlikely.
Syria's dependence on Russian oil also reflects its small market size and weak purchasing power, which hinder its ability to negotiate long-term agreements with major producers such as the Gulf states.
Although the country has begun reconnecting to the global financial system, evidenced by the reactivation of its central bank account in New York, its energy options remain constrained.
Russia stepped in quickly after the fall of Bashar al-Assad, becoming the first country to resume oil shipments to Syria. In 2025, it supplied about 16.8 million barrels, averaging about 46,000 barrels per day, Reuters said.
That figure has since risen to around 60,000 barrels daily. This marks a sharp shift from previous years, when Iran was Syria's primary crude supplier. Iran halted deliveries after Assad's fall, leaving a significant supply gap.
Despite regaining control of some oil fields, Syria's domestic production remains far below pre-civil war levels.
Current output stands at roughly 35,000 barrels per day, compared to 350,000 before the conflict. With national demand estimated between 120,000 and 150,000 barrels daily, the shortfall is substantial. Russian imports now cover roughly a third of that demand, supplemented by smaller volumes smuggled from neighboring Lebanon.
The logistics behind these shipments are complex and often opaque. Much of the oil arrives via sanctioned vessels operating under multiple flags, with ship-to-ship transfers conducted in international waters to obscure origins and ownership.
Analysts say such practices suggest an effort to evade sanctions and minimize scrutiny.
Ultimately, the trade raises broader concerns about who truly benefits. As Reuters cited one analyst who noted the issue extends beyond Syria's need for oil to include the network of sanctioned actors profiting from the arrangement.
(Market Chatter news is derived from conversations with market professionals globally. This information is believed to be from reliable sources but may include rumor and speculation. Accuracy is not guaranteed.)