Syria and Iraq are preparing to restart the Kirkuk–Baniyas oil pipeline, which runs from the Kirkuk fields in Iraq to the Mediterranean coast in Syria, after being inactive since 2003.
The project is part of efforts to strengthen bilateral oil cooperation and reportedly has US support.
Syria's Deputy Energy Minister for Oil Affairs, Ghiath Diab, told our Arabic edition Al-Araby Al-Jadeed that pumping stations along the route are destroyed mainly and require comprehensive rehabilitation. This includes updating pipelines, storage tanks, pumps, electrical systems, and civil works. Diab said refurbishing the old line alongside building a new one would improve economic feasibility. The Syrian government is updating legislation, encouraging investment, launching the Syrian Oil Co. to manage petroleum resources, and promoting public-private partnerships in oil, gas, and renewable energy.
The Kirkuk–Baniyas pipeline, one of the oldest oil export routes in the region, began operating in 1952. Its revival is expected to strengthen energy links between the two countries and attract international investment. Damascus and Baghdad are moving quickly to rehabilitate the line, giving Iraq direct access to European markets via the Mediterranean, Ahmed Qabbahji, deputy CEO of the Syrian Petroleum Co., said.
He added that joint Syrian-Iraqi committees are conducting technical reviews to assess engineering requirements and feasibility, and to determine whether to repair the existing route or create an alternative aligned with current security and infrastructure conditions. Syrian Petroleum has received investment proposals from domestic and international companies.
Discussions on an activation agreement are ongoing, coordinated at high levels through joint technical committees. US support is seen as opening the door to new global investments. Since April, both governments have held technical consultations on restarting the pipeline.
The line stretches about 800 kilometres and has a capacity of 300 000 bpd. It is a strategic export route for Iraq, provides Syria with significant revenue, revitalises its oil infrastructure, and strengthens regional energy cooperation. Field committees of engineers and experts from both countries are re-evaluating the pipeline. Preliminary estimates suggest reconstruction could exceed US$4.5 billion, with construction lasting around 36 months. Plans include a dual line capable of 1.5 million bpd, modern pumping and monitoring stations, and rerouting part of the old path in Deir Ezzor to a shorter route south of Homs.
Technical assessments indicate the line suffered severe damage, including destroyed pumping stations, damaged components, and corroded infrastructure due to neglect and prolonged inactivity. Restoring it is vital for Iraq to access Mediterranean export markets and for Syria to secure revenue and revive its oil infrastructure.
The pipeline operated continuously from its inception until 1980, paused during the Iran-Iraq War until 1997, and halted again in 2003. A 2007 Iraq-Syria agreement to rehabilitate it was cancelled in 2009 over high costs. Limited pumping resumed in 2010 before stopping again due to war-related damage and theft. A revival initiative was proposed in 2019, but rising Iranian influence then diverted flows through Iran. Despite these challenges, the line remains strategic, and Syria is moving seriously towards its renewal to enhance energy security and economic recovery.