Syria Receives First Crude Oil Shipment Since Assad’s Fall

Syria has received its first crude oil shipment since the fall of the Bashar al-Assad regime in December 2024.

Per reports from Syria’s state media, the oil tanker Aquatica (106,000 dwt) reached the Baniyas oil terminal on the night of March 20, carrying 100,000 metric tonnes of crude oil.

The shipment is expected to help reduce the severe fuel crisis affecting power generation and essential services. The arrival of Aquatica follows reports that Russia is establishing a supply chain to support Syria’s energy needs.

Before Assad’s departure, Syria relied heavily on Iranian oil, receiving nearly 100,000 barrels per day, which accounted for 90% of its crude supply.

After Assad fled the country, Iran halted its shipments, leaving Syria with limited options to meet its fuel demand.

Per tracking data, more oil shipments are heading to Syria. The tanker Sabina (158,000 dwt) registered in Barbados and managed from Hong Kong is carrying one million barrels of Russian crude oil and is expected to arrive in early April.

Another vessel, Sakina (150,000 dwt), also registered in Barbados with Hong Kong based ownership is en route to Syria and is expected to dock in Baniyas by March 25.

Multiple tankers have been making deliveries to Syria in recent months. This has raised speculation that Russia has secured a deal to supply oil products in exchange for securing its military presence in the country.

Both the vessels, Aquatica and Sakina are under US sanctions imposed in January 2025 with the European Union adding them to its sanctions list in February.

These tankers loaded their crude oil from the Umba storage vessel near Murmansk, Russia in February before sailing to Syria. As a result, Russia has been seeking alternative buyers.

Syria recently received its first gas shipment in months. On March 12, two gas tankers, Gas