\n 2026-04-01T09:00:21+00:00<\/p>\n
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Shafaq News- Baghdad<\/p>\n
Iraq is turning to overland shipments through Syria to move
\nfuel oil abroad, easing pressure on its energy system and limited export
\noptions, an oil expert told Shafaq News on Wednesday.<\/p>\n
Asim Jihad, former spokesperson for the Oil Ministry,
\ndescribed the shipments as a temporary workaround rather than a lasting
\nalternative to Iraq\u2019s export routes, stressing that transporting fuel by tanker
\ntrucks remains costly, complex, and far less efficient than pipelines or
\nmaritime shipping.<\/p>\n
Iraq\u2019s export system faces multiple constraints, including
\nlimited capacity on its northern pipeline, the shutdown of some export outlets,
\nand growing pressure on refineries as fuel oil production rises. In older
\nfacilities, fuel oil can account for more than 40% of output, compounding
\nstorage and processing challenges.<\/p>\n
Pointing to rising logistical and financial burdens tied to
\nroad transport \u2014which requires a large fleet of tanker trucks and adds
\noperational complexity\u2014 Jihad warned that continued accumulation of fuel oil
\nand delays in processing naphtha could compel some refining units to scale back
\nor suspend operations, affecting domestic output.<\/p>\n
According to the latest figures released by the State Oil
\nMarketing Organization (SOMO), Baghdad will move 650,000 metric tons of fuel
\noil per month through Syria during April, May, and June, equivalent to roughly
\n4.85 million barrels monthly \u2014about one day of Iraq\u2019s crude oil production.<\/p>\n