It looks like oil giant Shell has had enough of Syria. The head of the Syrian Petroleum Company, Youssef Qeblawi, said on Monday that oil major Shell, had asked to withdraw from the al-Omar oilfield and transfer its share to Syria’s state-owned operators but that U.S. companies were interested in the country’s energy sector.
The al-Omar oilfield, Syria’s largest, came under government control at the weekend after a lightning offensive against Kurdish forces who had held the site for nearly a decade and used it as a military base.
The al-Omar field, located in Syria’s eastern region, has strategic significance due to its production capacity and recently returned to Syrian government control after being held by Kurdish forces. Qeblawi indicated that negotiations are ongoing regarding the financial and operational terms of this transfer, though Shell has not publicly commented on the report.
In the same remarks, Qeblawi highlighted growing interest from U.S. energy companies in Syria’s energy sector. He mentioned that several firms, including ConocoPhillips, Chevron, and HKN Energy, have expressed interest in exploring opportunities in the country, particularly in natural gas development.
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However, these claims remain statements from Syrian officials and have not been independently confirmed by the companies themselves.
Shell has maintained a minimal presence in Syria since suspending operations in 2011 due to the civil war and international sanctions. The potential withdrawal reflects both geopolitical and commercial considerations, as Western sanctions and regional instability have complicated foreign investment.
Meanwhile, Syria appears to be seeking new international partnerships to revitalize its energy sector, with an emphasis on attracting U.S. companies despite the complex political and regulatory environment.
Qeblawi said the field had once produced 50,000 barrels per day but that Kurdish forces operating it had used “primitive methods” that produced only 5,000 barrels per day.
This development highlights Syria’s ongoing efforts to manage its hydrocarbon resources amid a challenging geopolitical landscape and demonstrates the strategic significance of the al-Omar oilfield in the country’s energy plans.
The situation in Syria’s energy sector reflects the broader challenges facing countries with valuable natural resources in politically complex environments. Access to strategic oil and gas reserves often brings both opportunity and risk, as foreign companies weigh the potential for profit against the uncertainties of sanctions, security, and regional instability.
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The supposed interest from international firms, signals that Syria’s energy potential remains attractive and could play a role in the country’s economic recovery, provided conditions allow for stable investment.
This episode also underscores the interconnectedness of global energy markets and geopolitics. Decisions by multinational corporations, whether to enter or exit a market, are influenced not only by commercial calculations but also by international relations, regulatory frameworks, and operational security.
For Syria, the challenge will be balancing the need for foreign expertise and capital with the realities of sanctions and ongoing political tensions.
Looking ahead, the management and development of Syria’s hydrocarbon resources will likely remain a key determinant of its economic trajectory. How effectively the government can leverage external interest while maintaining control over strategic assets may shape not just its energy sector, but also broader efforts at reconstruction, stability, and regional influence.