Iraq sends first oil shipment to Syria via reopened border crossing

Iraq dispatched its first crude oil shipment to Syria on Friday via the Rabia-Al-Yarubiya land border crossing, sending an initial convoy of 70 tanker trucks, according to the Border Crossings Authority. Omar Al-Waeli, head of the authority, told the Iraqi News Agency (INA) that the operation was carried out under approved regulatory and security procedures with direct oversight from government authorities. The move is intended to relieve pressure on other crossings, diversify marketing channels, and increase national revenues.

Infrastructure upgrades

Al-Waeli noted that efforts are underway to expand the crossing’s capacity, with infrastructure and logistics services being upgraded in anticipation of increased activity. He emphasized the importance of land-based oil exports, explaining that the crossing offers an alternative to traditional maritime routes by reducing risks and broadening distribution options. The crossing was reopened on April 20 after a 13-year closure due to security conditions and military operations during the Syrian war.

Regional significance

This is the fourth Syria-Iraq land crossing to resume operations, following the reopening of Al-Qaim-Al-Bukamal and Al-Walid-Al-Tanf after the fall of Bashar al-Assad’s regime in December 2024. The Syrian Petroleum Company has stated that Iraqi fuel flows are expected to reach approximately 500,000 metric tons per month.