Russia’s Arctic oil deliveries to Syria are rising dramatically as part of a calculated move to help. The nation’s faltering refineries in the face of shifting international energy alignments.
So far in 2025, Russia has sent Syria nearly 350,000 metric tons of oil, which is roughly 2.6 million barrels, based on the latest shipping data.
This increase in oil exports is part of Moscow’s larger strategy to diversify its oil market in reaction to growing sanctions from the West.
During the months of March and May, Russian oil carriers, which included the Mitzel, Sakina, Aquatica, and Sabina, visited Syria’s main port of Baniyas on several occasions.
The newest shipment, which was noteworthy, included unloading close to 140,000 tons of Russian crude oil through the northernmost terminal at Murmansk.
During an occasion when Russian oil producer Gazprom Neft is being severely impacted by sanctions from the United States.
Moscow is aggressively looking for alternate consumers to consume its Arctic crude levels. In particular, ARCO and Novy Port oil, which is why Russian oil supplies to Syria have increased.
Changes in the Energy Dynamics of the Middle East
Syria’s regional refineries have always relied significantly on Iranian oil supplies.
Still, Syria’s energy shortages were made worse by a short-term shutdown of the Baniyas oil refinery due to supply issues in late 2024.
Syria has responded by relying more on Russian oil supplies to maintain stability and get back to refinery activities.
Syria’s oil government recently acknowledged that mechanical maintenance and improvements are still occurring. It leaves the present capacity for refining relatively unidentified.
Despite the Baniyas plant resuming activities in April upon incoming Russian oil shipments.
Syria is a vital defense and oil collaborator for Russia.
Moscow’s power partnership supports its larger international objectives of preserving and growing its military presence in Syria.
It includes gaining accessibility to the Hmeimim air base and its naval facility in Tartous.
Russia is still negotiating with the new government to secure long-term weapons and energy arrangements. Although Syria’s leadership has recently changed.
