Syria Boosts Russian Oil Imports 75% to 60K Bpd Amid Western Firm Outreach

Russia remains Syria's primary oil supplier, with shipments surging 75% year-to-date to roughly 60,000 barrels per day in 2026 via nearly two dozen sanctioned tankers, plugging a supply gap post-Assad's 2024 fall. Domestic output languished at 35,000 bpd in 2025 against needs of 120,000-150,000 bpd, following 16.8 million barrels from Russia last year. Latest reports highlight Syria courting Chevron, ConocoPhillips, TotalEnergies, and Eni for exploration licenses, balancing reliance on discounted Russian crude against Western pivot risks and potential sanctions.