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Iraq Trucks Fuel Oil via Syria, Plans 2M-bpd Pipeline Revival

7/20/2026

29 6 Full Breakdown

Summary

Iraq Trucks Fuel

Iraq began trucking fuel oil through Syria to Mediterranean ports, creating a new export corridor.
In June, Syrian shipments of Iraqi fuel oil reached about 720,000 tons, 28% of regional volumes.
Trucks carry roughly 20 tons each, take four-six days to reach Baniyas or Aqaba, and Lytton SA handles most flows.
On July 16, Syria and Iraq signed MoUs to revive the Haditha-Baniyas pipeline, targeting two million barrels per day.

Summary

Iraq Stops Imports

The U.S. Energy Information Administration reported zero Iraqi crude imports for three weeks ending July 10, 2026.
Gulf crude and condensate exports rose to 12 million barrels per day in July, a 16% increase from June, helping lower oil prices after a U.S.–Iran agreement eased supply concerns.
Strait of Hormuz strikes cut tanker transits to three vessels, the fewest since May.
Saudi Arabia routes roughly 75% of its July crude through Yanbu.

History

Historical Context

In January 1991, coalition air strikes and Iraq’s deliberate oil spill released roughly four million barrels, crippling its oil network and prompting UN sanctions that sharply cut exports while Saudi Arabia boosted output. Decades later, Iraq is moving fuel oil through Syria and reviving the Haditha-Baniyas pipeline, echoing the post-war overland strategy that lessened dependence on the Strait of Hormuz.

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Iraq Trucks Fuel

Iraq began trucking fuel oil through Syria to Mediterranean ports, creating a new export corridor.
In June, Syrian shipments of Iraqi fuel oil reached about 720,000 tons, 28% of regional volumes.
Trucks carry roughly 20 tons each, take four-six days to reach Baniyas or Aqaba, and Lytton SA handles most flows.
On July 16, Syria and Iraq signed MoUs to revive the Haditha-Baniyas pipeline, targeting two million barrels per day.

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