Iraq and Syria are contemplating the rejuvenation of the Kirkuk-Baniyas oil pipeline.
In a significant development, Iraq and Syria have recently exchanged high-level delegations and reopened the main border crossing for travellers and goods, as they strive to boost cooperation in various areas. One such area is the energy sector, where discussions have focused on the potential revival of the Kirkuk-Baniyas oil pipeline.
The Kirkuk-Baniyas pipeline, originally built in 1934, historically carried approximately 300,000 barrels per day (bpd) of crude oil from Kirkuk in northern Iraq to the port of Baniyas on Syria’s Mediterranean coast. This strategic export route provided Iraq with a vital link to Europe. However, operations were halted in the early 1980s due to political conflicts during the Iran-Iraq war and Syria’s alliance with Iran. The pipeline was briefly reopened in the early 2000s but has been out of service since about 2003, partly due to damage sustained during the 2003 US-led invasion of Iraq.
Current feasibility discussions between Iraq and Syria, which took place in August 2025, are focusing on assessing whether to rehabilitate the existing pipeline or build a new one. Both sides have agreed to form joint technical teams to evaluate the infrastructure and explore viable options. Experts note that large parts of the pipeline in Syria are war-damaged, and the existing pipeline diameters and conditions limit capacity. Upgrading would require enlarging certain sections to restore previous throughput levels.
Full rehabilitation of the old pipeline is seen as impractical by some analysts, with building a new pipeline, potentially costing over $10 billion, considered a more realistic strategy. Iraq views the revival or replacement of the pipeline as critical to diversifying its export routes amid regional instability affecting other outlets.
The pipeline's daily capacity was approximately 300,000 bpd, and the pipeline, built in 1952, transported Iraqi crude to Europe via Syria. If revived, the Kirkuk-Baniyas pipeline would provide Baghdad with a new export outlet and Damascus with a source of badly needed fuel.
It's important to note that another pipeline, linking Kirkuk to Turkey's Ceyhan oil terminal, has been idle since 2023 due to a dispute between Baghdad and Ankara. The Syrian Energy Minister has stressed the importance of linking oil networks between Iraq and Syria to enhance economic cooperation.
The discussions between Iraq and Syria also include the laying of fibre-optic cables in parallel with the pipeline to boost regional connectivity with Lebanon. This move could significantly improve communication and digital infrastructure in the region.
The establishment of ties between Iraq and Syria began after the toppling of former president Bashar Al Assad by Syrian rebels. The current discussions are part of a broader effort to strengthen relations and cooperation between the two countries.
However, challenges remain, including Iraq's concern over the resurgence of ISIS and the need for protection for religious and ethnic minorities and Shiite shrines. Iran's recent threat to close the Strait of Hormuz during its aerial war with Israel in June further complicates the situation, jeopardising Iraq's oil sales.
As the discussions continue, it remains to be seen whether the Kirkuk-Baniyas pipeline will once again become a vital link between Iraq and Syria, and between the Middle East and Europe.
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