Iraq signs oil deals with Western firms to rebuild Kirkuk‑Syria pipeline

A consortium led by Chevron has signed an agreement to reconstruct the crude‑oil pipeline that links Iraq’s Kirkuk oil fields with the Syrian port of Baniyas. The project, announced by officials from the Iraqi Ministry of Oil and the Syrian Ministry of Energy, aims to restore a route that was partially disabled after years of conflict and sabotage, and to re‑enable the flow of Iraqi crude to international markets via the Mediterranean Sea.

The pipeline, spanning roughly 1,200 kilometres, originally carried up to 300,000 barrels per day. Under the new deal, Chevron will finance and oversee the engineering work, while local contractors will handle on‑the‑ground construction. Completion is targeted for late 2028, with an estimated investment of $1.5 billion. The revival is expected to boost export revenues for both Iraq and Syria, diversify Iraq’s export options beyond the Persian Gulf, and contribute to regional economic recovery.

The reconstruction also carries geopolitical implications, as it re‑establishes a trade corridor that bypasses Turkish territory and aligns with broader efforts to stabilize energy infrastructure in the Middle East. Monitoring agencies will supervise compliance with international sanctions and environmental standards throughout the project’s duration.