Syria has been facing a severe energy crisis since the outbreak of war in 2011. Armed conflicts and Western economic sanctions have led to a significant decline in oil and gas production, resulting in chronic shortages of electricity and fuel.
The oil and gas fields in northeastern Syria, controlled by the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) and the Autonomous Administration, have become the primary source of energy for Damascus. This region contains most of Syria’s oil reserves, estimated at approximately 2.5 billion barrels, according to the US Energy Information Administration.
Ahmad Al-Suleiman, the media spokesperson for the Syrian Ministry of Oil and Mineral Resources, confirmed to Asharq Al-Awsat that the Damascus government has decided to source gas from northeastern Syria, which is under the control of the so-called Autonomous Administration.
Al-Suleiman’s statement coincides with announcements from official figures and accounts linked to the SDF and the Syrian Democratic Council (SDC), indicating that understandings have been reached with the Damascus government to join the new state led by Ahmad Al-Sharaa.
The agreement entails sourcing approximately 500,000 cubic meters of gas per day, with the exact volume determined by well production and the needs of the power grid. Al-Suleiman stated that the Ministry of Oil is making significant efforts to secure essential gas supplies for power generation plants. He described the agreement with the Autonomous Administration as part of the government’s strategy to address energy crises and ensure the country’s gas needs are met, emphasizing that the goal is to serve the interests of the Syrian people.
News of the agreement sparked widespread debate among Syrians regarding the government’s motives for dealing with the Autonomous Administration, which has yet to fully recognize Damascus’ authority or surrender the resources under its control. Speculation has also risen about the potential political gains the Autonomous Administration may have secured through this deal.
Commenting on these concerns, Al-Suleiman stressed that any agreement remains strictly within an economic framework aimed at serving the Syrian people and meeting their needs. He reiterated that the Syrian government is committed to regaining control over all national resources, stabilizing the country, and ensuring the population’s essential needs are met.
Al-Suleiman noted that energy remains one of the highest priorities for the new Syrian government. He acknowledged the significant difficulties the Ministry of Oil faces in this sector.
He also explained that the ministry is working on comprehensive strategies to secure available energy sources while the leadership negotiates with relevant parties to regain control of oil and gas fields and ensure energy supplies for the population.
The Ministry of Oil and Mineral Resources has repeatedly attempted to issue tenders for importing crude oil from outside Syria. However, these efforts have failed due to payment restrictions, as Syrian banks remain under Western sanctions.
