Baghdad (IraqiNews.com) – Iraq’s fuel oil exports through Syria have seen a significant increase since the outbreak of the US-Israeli war against Iran on February 28.
Iraqi oil flows via neighboring Syria are part of alternative routes for the country’s oil shipments to global markets following the closure of the Strait of Hormuz.
Total Iraqi fuel oil exports transported via Syria reached 21.4 million barrels between March and the end of August 2026.
This step is part of Baghdad’s continuous efforts to establish alternate export channels amid shipping disruptions via the Strait of Hormuz, the country’s primary maritime trade artery, which led to unprecedented challenges to the oil industry.
Iraqi fuel oil began flowing overland through Syrian territory after the Iraqi state-owned oil marketing company (SOMO) reached deals to transport approximately 650,000 tons per month (approximately 4.7 million barrels) to be stored at the Baniyas port before being shipped to global markets.
Iraqi fuel oil shipments via Syria increased rapidly between March and the end of August 2026.
Iraq’s fuel oil exports through Syria were 254,000 barrels in March, 686,000 barrels in April, 3.86 million barrels in May, five million barrels in June, 5.65 million barrels in July, and 5.91 million barrels in August.