Syria may stop buying Russian oil
4 August 17:23
Syria is ready to sharply reduce its imports of Russian oil, according to a report by Reuters, as reported by "Komersant Ukrainian".
“Damascus has agreed to sharply reduce imports of Russian oil as part of negotiations with the U.S. to lift the latest major sanctions against Syria,” Reuters learned from three sources familiar with the negotiations.
Such a reduction would mark a major shift in Syria’s energy policy, as the country is currently heavily dependent on Russian oil.
According to experts, this would provide the U.S. with a new way to exert pressure on Russia’s economic influence in the country.
Giving Up Oil in Exchange for Sanctions
For several months, Syrian officials have been telling the U.S. that they are ready to cut back on Russian oil imports.
According to Reuters, this was reported by:
- a Syrian source directly familiar with the negotiations,
- an American official,
- and another source familiar with the matter.
Syria had previously been hesitant to reduce its imports of Russian oil.
“Replacing Russian oil supplies cannot happen immediately without the risk of fuel shortages or higher import prices for Syria,” said Nawwar Saban, a Syrian analyst at the Arab Center for Contemporary Studies.
A U.S. State Department spokesperson stated that Washington “urges Syria to cooperate with trusted corporate partners—especially American firms—in the country’s recovery and reconstruction process.”
He also expects Syria to comply with U.S. sanctions against Russia.
However, he clarified that there is no connection between the removal of Syria’s status as a sanctioned country and the reduction in Russian oil imports.
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U.S. Sanctions Against Syria
The designation SST, State Sponsor of Terrorism. This is an official sanctions designation assigned bythe U.S. Department of State, in effect since 1979, and is the only major sanctions designation that remains in force against Syria. Comprehensive sanctions had already been lifted from the country following the overthrow of dictator Bashar al-Assad.
During the discussions, Washington requested and received a commitment from Syria to sharply reduce imports of Russian oil, according to a U.S. official and a source familiar with the situation.
U.S. officials told their Damascus counterparts that halting purchases of Russian oil “would increase the chances of a swift and smooth lifting of the ‘extreme cold’ designation.” Syria responded that, in that case, it would be able to establish a diversified energy supply network, the source said .
A representative of the Syrian energy sector told Reuters that Damascus is already seeking new suppliers and that “radical changes” are expected.
For example, in July, the French oil company TotalEnergies discussed with Syrian authorities the possibility of signing a contract for offshore exploration. In June, Syria signed an agreement with ConocoPhillips and Novaterra to resume gas production.
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