Iraq, Syria sign deal to restore oil pipeline to Mediterranean

Iraq and Syria have signed a memorandum of understanding to rehabilitate and restart an oil pipeline linking central Iraq to the Mediterranean coast, in a move aimed at boosting export capacity and diversifying supply routes.

The agreement covers the restoration of the pipeline running from Haditha in Iraq to the Syrian port city of Baniyas, according to Iraq’s state news agency INA.

“A memorandum of understanding was signed between the parties [Iraq and Syria] on the rehabilitation of the oil pipeline running from Haditha to Baniyas,” the statement said, adding that “the project will be overseen by the American company Chevron.”

According to Al-Monitor, a consortium comprising U.S.-based Chevron and Capital TI, along with Qatar’s UCC, is expected to carry out the technical and feasibility studies for the project.

Iraqi officials say the restored pipeline would enable a significant increase in shipments of crude from the northern province of Kirkuk to Syria’s Mediterranean coast, facilitating onward exports to European markets.

The initiative also aligns with Baghdad’s broader strategy to develop alternative export routes. In mid-March, Iraqi authorities announced plans to use the port of Baniyas as one of the alternatives to the Strait of Hormuz for transporting oil to global markets.

By Tamilla Hasanova