Iraq Begins First Crude Oil Exports to Syria

(MENAFN) Iraq has commenced its initial crude oil export operation to Syria, marking a significant step in cross-border trade, through the Rabia–Al-Yarubiya land crossing on Friday. The first consignment consisted of 70 tanker trucks, as reported by the Border Crossings Authority.

According to a statement released by a news agency, the export activity was executed under established regulatory and security frameworks, with direct supervision from relevant governmental bodies. The agency’s head, Omar Al-Waeli, confirmed these details.

Al-Waeli noted that this initiative is intended to ease congestion at other border points, broaden marketing pathways, and enhance national income streams.

He added that ongoing plans aim to increase the operational capacity of the crossing in anticipation of higher future demand, alongside upgrades to infrastructure and logistical systems.

He further highlighted the strategic value of land-based oil exports, explaining that this route provides an alternative to conventional export channels by lowering associated risks and expanding distribution possibilities.

The Rabia–Al-Yarubiya crossing had been closed for 13 years due to security concerns and military activity linked to the Syrian conflict, before being reopened on April 20. It is now the fourth border crossing between Iraq and Syria to resume operations, following the reopening of Al-Qaim–Al-Bukamal and Al-Walid–Al-Tanf after the collapse of Bashar al-Assad’s administration in December 2024.

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