Syria’s oil sector has been in turmoil, suffering a steep decline in production since the war commenced in 2011.
According to the 2019 British Petroleum Statistical Review of World Energy, Syria’s oil productivity dropped significantly by 93% from 2011 to 2018. This glaring drop has been attributed not only to the ongoing conflict, but also the political and economic sanctions imposed on the Syrian government by the United States and European Union.
In close coordination with the South Turkey Food Security and Livelihood Cluster, iMMAP aimed to understand the fuel market system in northwest Syria to identify local dynamics, the crisis’ overall impact, and main coping strategies adopted by various market actors.
Conducted from June to November 2019, the “Fuel Study of North Syria” was carried out in seven northwest Syrian sub-districts: Al Bab, Azaz, Jarablus, Menbij, Idleb, Dana and Suran. Forty-two market actors were interviewed face-to-face and 62 consumers were consulted through nine focus group discussions (FGD).
The six-month study uncovered several key findings:
- The production of crude oil and condensate decreased by a whopping 95% in 2018 compared to the production rate in 2011.
- The production of natural gas liquids significantly decreased by 76% in 2018 compared to 2011.
- The Syria Democratic Forces (SDF) has control of around 70% of Syria’s oil fields.
- Weekly consumption of gasoline increased by 20% in 2019 compared to 2018.
- Weekly consumption of diesel decreased by 23% in 2019 compared to 2018.
To read and download the Fuel Study of North Syria, please visit: https://immap.org/product/fuel-study-of-north-syria/