Natural Gas, New Beginnings: Türkiye and Syria Sign Historic Energy Pact

Updated: May 10, 2025 10:56

Image Source: Arab News

Türkiye and Syria signed a historic agreement for the daily delivery of natural gas, a turning point for Syria's reconstruction after a decade of civil war and regional energy cooperation. The agreement made on May 9, 2025, seeks to end Syria's perennial electricity shortages and rehabilitate its damaged infrastructure after decades of war.

Deal Details and Implementation

Türkiye will export six million cubic meters of natural gas per day to Syria through a pipeline stretching from Turkish city of Kilis to Aleppo in northern Syria.
The deal was inked by Syrian Energy Minister Mohammad al-Bashir and Turkish Energy Minister Alparslan Bayraktar.
Gas supplies are to commence in the next three months.
The gas to be supplied will be mainly utilized for electricity production at the Aleppo natural gas power plant.

Impact on Syria's Energy Sector

The agreement is bound to greatly enhance electricity supply hours and generally put the energy situation in Syria, where electricity blackout lasts more than 20 hours a day, into a much better position.
Syria's energy system has been torn apart by almost 14 years of war, with large parts of the population dependent on diesel generators and makeshift arrangements.
The government of Syria, now in transitional authority after Bashar al-Assad was removed in December of 2024, is giving high priority to the re-establishment of elementary services as well as economic revival.

Broader Regional Cooperation

Türkiye is currently providing some 200 megawatts of power to Aleppo and plans to do so at levels of 700–800 megawatts within a matter of months.
It comes as the latest response by Qatar to provide funding for Syria's gas supply from Jordan and by Britain to remove sanctions against Syria's oil industry, both with a view to reconstruction efforts.
The US has also relaxed sanctions permitting Syria donations of fuel and electricity for six months.
Türkiye and Qatar were two of the first nations to restore diplomatic relations with Syria's new regime.

Strategic and Economic Importance

The agreement highlights Türkiye's increasing position as a regional energy hub, using its infrastructure and geographic location to facilitate energy flows throughout the Middle East.
Both countries are looking into further collaboration, such as joint mining ventures and possible offshore gas exploration in the eastern Mediterranean.

Official Statements

“I have reached an agreement with my Turkish counterpart, Alparslan Bayraktar, to supply Syria with six million cubic meters of natural gas daily via the Kilis-Aleppo pipeline,” - Mohammad al-Bashir, Syrian Energy Minister.

“We will begin supplying gas from Kilis within three months. This gas will be utilized for electricity generation at the natural gas power facility in Aleppo.” - Alparslan Bayraktar, Turkish Energy Minister.

Sources: Barron's, The New Arab, Daily Sabah, Turkish Minute, China.org

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