Banias Pipeline back on the table in Iraq-Syria energy talks

August 13, 2025 / 12:10 AM

Sharjah 24 – WAM: Iraq and Syria have agreed to explore the possibility of reactivating the Banias pipeline to export Iraqi oil through Syrian territory. The agreement came during talks in Baghdad between Hayan Abdul-Ghani Al-Sawad, Iraq’s Deputy Prime Minister for Energy Affairs and Minister of Oil, and Syrian Energy Minister Mohammed Bashir.

Formation of joint committee
The two sides decided to establish a joint committee to inspect the condition of the pipeline and evaluate the feasibility of resuming operations. They also proposed involving an international consultant to assess the pipeline’s operational readiness, pumping systems, and overall rehabilitation requirements.

Expanding Iraq’s export routes
According to a statement from the Iraqi Ministry of Oil, reported by the Iraqi News Agency, Al-Sawad highlighted Iraq’s progress in gas investment and refining. He said Iraq aims to enhance export capacities through southern ports, resume exports via the Turkish pipeline to the port of Ceyhan, and consider proposals to utilize the Syrian Banias and Lebanese Tripoli pipelines.

Basra–Haditha pipeline project
Al-Sawad also discussed the Basra–Haditha pipeline project, which is expected to handle 2.25 million barrels. This pipeline will help ensure stable export volumes, potentially using the Syrian route as one of its outlets.