Iraq begins crude oil exports to Syria via Rabia–al‑Yarubiyah crossing

The Iraqi Border Ports Authority (IBPA) announced on Friday the start of crude oil exports through the Rabia–al-Yarubiyah border crossing, with the dispatch of the first convoy of 70 tanker trucks carrying crude oil toward Syria.

Head of the (IBPA) Omar al-Waeli said in a statement that this step marks the activation of the Rabia–al-Yarubiyah border crossing as a strategic corridor for crude oil exports. He added that the move will help ease pressure on other border points, diversify export routes, and support the national economy by increasing revenues.

Al-Waeli noted that work is underway to expand the crossing’s capacity and develop its infrastructure and logistical services to accommodate the expected rise in activity in the coming phase.

He underlined that exporting oil through land crossings provides an important alternative for diversifying marketing channels and reducing risks associated with traditional routes.

The crossing was reopened on April 20 after rehabilitation by both countries. Earlier oil shipments entered Syria through the al-Tanf–al-Walid crossing toward the Baniyas refinery.

MHD