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In a decisive move underscoring the depth of syria/" class="auto-internal-link">syria’s energy crisis, the ministry of Energy has issued an international tender for the purchase of seven million barrels of light crude oil. The initiative aims to alleviate severe fuel shortages threatening the Banias Refinery and the country’s electricity generation infrastructure. One of the most extensive procurement efforts since the administration’s restructuring, the tender reflects the enduring challenges that continue to grip the sector more than a decade after Syria’s initial descent into crisis. Delivery Schedule and Supply Specifications The ministry’s statement outlines plans to receive the oil in staggered shipments from December 2025 through March 2026, with potential extensions subject to mutual agreement. Moreover, the deadline for tender submissions is set for Sunday, 16 November 2025, with bid openings to follow the next day in the presence of representatives from participating companies. The Petroleum Marketing Directorate will supervise the delivery process on behalf of the Banias Refinery.
The tender explicitly requires high-quality, unblended light crude oil that adheres to international standards. The delivery breakdown comprises three million barrels in December, another three million in January, and a final one million in March. Moreover, payments will be made in US dollars in three instalments, no later than 30 days after delivery. A performance guarantee of one million dollars must be issued by a supplier-affiliated bank operating in Syria, in line with the tender’s terms. Furthermore, pricing will be indexed to the Brent Dated benchmark as declared by Platts Crude Oil Marketwire. Bidders may propose fixed premiums or discounts per barrel.
Moreover, the required oil must meet specific technical criteria: an API gravity between 32. 0 and 36. 0 degrees, specific gravity ranging from 0. Additionally, 845 to 0. 865, and a sulphur content below 1. 5 percent—parameters tailored to the Banias Refinery’s operational profile.
The tender comes amid a dramatic collapse in electricity production, which now hovers at just 1. 6 gigawatts—far below the 9. 5 gigawatts generated before the onset of crisis in 2011. as per Reuters, widespread daily blackouts continue to afflict much of the country, forcing civilians to adapt to prolonged power outages. Aggravating the circumstances further, Iranian oil shipments—long a vital lifeline—have ceased since December 2024, dismantling a key pillar of Syria’s energy supply chain. The announcement also coincides with a high-level meeting between Syria’s Energy Minister and his Qatari counterpart at the ADIPEC 2025 energy summit in Abu Dhabi. Discussions reportedly covered offshore oil exploration and potential strategic agreements—indicating…