AGP Executive Report

Energy & Industry: Syria’s Al-Tabiyah gas plant (“Conoco”) is reported back in repairs-to-production mode, aiming to restart domestic supply of dry gas, LPG and condensates as winter nears and imports face expiry. Trade & Logistics: President Ahmad Al-Sharaa says Syria is developing a project to connect Iraqi oilfields to Mediterranean ports and offer “safe passage” for Iraqi goods, positioning Syria as an alternative export route amid Strait of Hormuz disruptions. Reconstruction & Investment: A Syria–Lebanon Investment Forum in Beirut focused on reconstruction, sustainable development, transport and trade, with Syria’s economy minister calling for better border crossings, banking capacity and investment-ready institutions. Security & Infrastructure Risk: Three Syrian soldiers were injured by a mine explosion during clearance work in Tal Abyad, Raqqa—another reminder that explosive remnants still disrupt recovery. Regional Industry Context: Syria’s foreign-policy shift is framed as prioritizing reconstruction and economic recovery while avoiding being pulled into regional flashpoints. Business & Trade Fairs: The 63rd Damascus International Fair drew about 1,000 entities from 60 countries, highlighting energy, industry and technology as Syria seeks investment momentum.

Energy & Trade: Oil is heading for its longest losing streak in a year as Saudi Arabia moves to restart a key East-West pipeline and markets weigh US-Iran diplomacy progress, with Brent near $99 and WTI below $90—an energy shock that keeps pressuring costs and supply chains across the region, including Syria. Diplomacy & Regional Security: On UNGA sidelines, President Trump met Iranian envoys and also convened a multilateral session with Gulf and regional leaders including Syria, while Qatar’s emir urged reopening the Strait of Hormuz and a return to negotiations under a regional collective security model. Syria Policy & Investment: President Ahmad Al-Sharaa met hundreds of Syrian expatriates in New York, outlining priorities on education, investment, transitional justice, and fuel supplies, including a new AI/app-based education pilot. Fuel Prices & Industry Impact: Reports say fuel price hikes have triggered major unrest in Syria, highlighting how diesel and energy costs ripple into manufacturing and logistics. UNGA Humanitarian Pressure: Macron again attacked Gaza aid restrictions as “shameful,” warning international credibility is at stake—an issue that directly affects regional food and industrial inputs.

Humanitarian Mine Action: Ukraine and Syria signed an intergovernmental deal to speed up demining and land clearance, including specialist training and drone-based mine detection and mapping. Reconstruction & Trade Logistics: Syria’s ports are seeing a rebound, with traffic up at least 25% since March 2026; DP World is investing $800m in Tartus and CMA-CGM is modernizing Latakia and expanding dry-port operations near Damascus and Aleppo. Industry & Services: Prosthetics capacity in northwest Syria is improving as Idlib centers adopt 3D printing for custom limbs, serving 100–150 patients monthly and easing shortages. Automotive Market Access: BMW Group Middle East appointed Citadel Premium Motors as the official importer for BMW and MINI in Syria, signaling renewed premium vehicle supply. Security & Industrial Risk: Syrian authorities are investigating possible Israeli involvement in unexplained explosions at weapons depots near Aleppo, raising concerns about the country’s weapons legacy. Energy & Cost Pressure: Syria is moving to ease fuel costs amid protests, including plans to introduce lower-priced diesel categories after nationwide price hikes.

Syria Energy & Fuel: Syria’s energy minister says the country needs $831m monthly to buy crude oil and petroleum products, citing foreign-currency constraints, while also outlining plans to restore oil fields and rehabilitate production infrastructure. Port & Trade: Jordan will supply Lebanon and Syria with 6 million cubic meters of natural gas per day (about 2m for Lebanon and 4m for Syria), with deliveries tied to Lebanon’s network readiness and using LNG imports via Aqaba’s FSRU. Oil Market Shock: A report links renewed Middle East tensions to higher global oil prices, noting disruptions to Saudi export routes and knock-on effects for fuel costs that can hit Syria through regional prices. Security & Industry Disruption: Syrian authorities are investigating mysterious explosions at weapons depots near Aleppo (al-Eis), including possible foreign involvement, while engineering units secure sites and roads are closed. Demining & Reconstruction: Syria says it has finalized an agreement with Ukraine for Ukrainian experts to support landmine clearance after the war, a step aimed at reopening land for future economic activity.

Energy & Trade: Syria’s Energy Minister Mohammed al-Bashir told parliament the country needs $831m per month to buy crude oil and petroleum products, citing foreign-currency constraints while outlining plans to restore oil fields and rehabilitate infrastructure. Oil & Infrastructure: Syria and Iraq are moving to replace the aging Kirkuk–Baniyas pipeline, with the project framed as a way to secure transit fees and priority access to oil purchases amid maritime route pressures. Fuel Supply Pressure: Jordan says it will supply Lebanon 2m m³/day and Syria 4m m³/day of natural gas once Lebanon’s receiving infrastructure is ready, with LNG regasified at Aqaba and transported via Syria. Regional Energy Disruption: Two Jordan–Iraq energy exchange routes are suspended—Iraqi crude isn’t reaching Jordan and Jordanian electricity has stopped to Rutba—while talks continue on resuming oil and expanding electricity interconnection. Security Impact on Industry: Explosions at a Syrian military ammunition depot near al-Eis in Aleppo injured civilians, triggered evacuations, and led to road closures—another reminder of how instability disrupts logistics and operations. Defense Cooperation: The US lifted remaining arms-sales and military-financing restrictions for Syria, potentially opening new legal pathways for defense procurement subject to approvals.

Fuel & transport pressure on Syria’s economy: Syria is moving to ease fuel costs and keep trade flowing as regional energy shocks bite, with reports of diesel price hikes and government steps to cut prices after protests, while analysts warn that countries like Syria can still face shortages even when crude prices rise. Border trade upgrades: Iraq and Syria are working to restore passenger services and improve truck traffic at Al-Waleed-Tanf, and a Syrian trade official says some Iraqi border yards need paving and faster procedures to reduce delays and shipping costs. Energy infrastructure push: Syria’s Energy Minister says Damascus is advancing the Kirkuk–Baniyas oil corridor with Iraq and an international consortium, aiming for transit fees and links to wider gas and domestic networks. Regional investment diplomacy: Uzbekistan and Syria held a business forum in Tashkent focused on joint projects, with a joint economic and trade committee and plans for exhibitions in 2027. Security impact on agriculture: Israeli shelling reportedly targeted agricultural land in Quneitra countryside, adding disruption risk for rural production. Industry & skills for rebuild: Saaba Communications says its education push in Syria will align training with trades like construction, mechanical work, hospitality, and digital/AI skills.

Syria–Iraq Energy: Syria is pushing ahead with the Kirkuk–Baniyas oil corridor rehabilitation with an international consortium, aiming for transit fees and priority oil purchases while linking the route to the Arab Gas Pipeline and other domestic networks. Border Trade Logistics: Syrian officials say some Iraqi border yards need upgrades like better paving and faster crossing procedures to handle rising truck traffic and reduce delays that raise final goods prices. Syria–U.S. Investment Angle: A report says Damascus is engaging around 50 American companies in areas including investment, energy, telecoms and finance, while also trying to redefine its relationship with Russia rather than simply replace it. Syria–Uzbekistan Trade Framework: Uzbekistan and Syria signed plans for a Joint Economic and Trade Committee, a business council, and a 2026–2028 roadmap, with exhibitions planned in 2027. Fuel Cost Pressure: Coverage highlights how fuel price hikes and shortages are driving public anger and protests, underscoring the strain on Syria’s economic recovery and consumer purchasing power.

US-Syria Defense Trade: The U.S. lifted the last arms and military financing restrictions on Syria under the 1991 chemical/biological control law, ending the legal ban on U.S. arms sales and foreign military financing—while noting other export licensing controls still apply. Fuel & Cost Pressures: Syria’s fuel-price protests and government responses keep dominating the economic agenda, with reports of diesel price cuts and plans to introduce multiple diesel categories to ease costs. Regional Trade Links: Uzbekistan and Syria agreed to set up a Joint Economic and Trade Committee and a 2026–2028 roadmap, plus a new Uzbekistan-Syria Business Council to connect firms. Port & Infrastructure Signals: Aleppo Airport upgrade works are moving under a Saudi-Syrian deal, pointing to renewed logistics investment. Energy Route Tensions: With Hormuz and Red Sea risks in the background, regional coverage highlights how shipping and fuel disruptions are reshaping trade costs—an issue directly tied to Syria’s import and export economics. Security Spillovers: Syria-related regional security developments continue to affect business confidence across the Levant.

Bilateral Trade & Industry: Uzbekistan and Syria signed an agreement in Tashkent to set up a Joint Economic and Trade Committee, with a 2026–2028 roadmap and a new Uzbekistan–Syria Business Council to connect firms and entrepreneurs. Nuclear & Industrial Capacity: Syria’s Atomic Energy Commission and the IAEA agreed a 2026–2031 Country Programme Framework aimed at transferring peaceful nuclear technology into nuclear safety, health and nutrition, food and agriculture, energy planning, industrial applications, and water/environment work. Energy & Cost Pressures: Syria’s diesel and gasoline price hikes are still driving public anger after protests, with the government linking the shock to refinery shutdowns and wider global fuel disruptions. Fuel Market Shock: The Iran conflict is pushing global fuel prices higher amid supply disruptions, feeding into higher diesel and gasoline costs that ripple into Syria’s economy. Policy Shift: The U.S. lifted the last remaining arms and military financing restrictions on Syria under a 1991 chemical weapons law, easing legal barriers while keeping other licensing controls in place.

Nuclear Cooperation: Syria says its new Country Programme Framework with the IAEA (2026-2031) will speed peaceful nuclear technology transfers into health, food and agriculture, energy planning, industrial uses, and water/environment work. Energy & Industry: After fuel-price protests, Syria announced subsidised diesel for heating, agriculture and eligible industry users, while officials also moved to offer lower-priced diesel categories—aimed at keeping production running and easing costs. Transport & Trade: Aleppo International Airport is set for major upgrade works starting early 2027 under a Saudi-Syrian deal, including phased expansion and radar navigation coverage to restore regional connectivity. Shipping Risk: With Strait of Hormuz traffic slowed and Red Sea/Bab al-Mandeb pressure rising, freight rates and rerouting are intensifying—directly affecting Syria-linked logistics and energy supply chains. Finance & Payments: Thunes expanded cross-border payout routes into Syria and other markets, reflecting continued demand for faster remittances and digital commerce rails. Regional Security: Syria rejected Saudi requests to deploy forces to Yemen against the Houthis, signaling Damascus wants to focus on its own security and armed-force reorganization.

Fuel & Diesel Policy: Syria’s Energy Minister Mohammed Al-Bashir says the government will roll out subsidised diesel at 115 Syrian pounds/litre for heating, agriculture and eligible consumers, add a second cheaper grade at 150 for some productive/service sectors, while standard-spec diesel stays at 175—moves aimed at calming protests after price hikes. Public Pressure & Supply: Officials link the earlier increases to refinery overhaul at Baniyas and higher global costs (transport, shipping, insurance), while also restarting small-scale refineries (up to 35,000 bpd) under Syrian Petroleum Company oversight. Aviation & Investment: Aleppo International Airport is set for major upgrade works starting early 2027 under a Saudi-Syrian deal, with plans for operational improvements now and financing for a new phased airport (6m passengers, expandable to 12m) plus radar navigation coverage. Trade & Industry Links: Syria’s push for regional economic role continues as it seeks new ties; meanwhile, South Korea and Indonesia expand halal certification cooperation, supporting Korean firms’ entry into Indonesia—an example of how certification can open food and manufacturing markets. Energy Security Context: Global fuel protests tied to the Iran conflict keep pressure on shipping routes, with Syria’s Tartus port highlighted as a potential alternative.

Fuel & prices in Syria: Syria’s Energy Minister Mohammed al-Bashir says the government will introduce several diesel grades at different prices/specs and restart local electric refineries (up to 35,000 bpd) under Syrian Petroleum Company oversight, after protests followed earlier fuel hikes. Public finance & project delivery: Damascus signed its first syndicated Islamic-finance deal to fund two development projects in the capital, using a sovereign guarantee and three participating banks to ease pressure on the state budget. Energy resilience in reconstruction: A new report highlights how off-grid solar is powering Syria’s reconstruction in rural areas, keeping agriculture and daily services running when the grid fails. Trade corridors: President Ahmad al-Sharaa pitched Tartus port as a Gulf-to-Europe alternative to Hormuz disruptions, pointing to links with UAE logistics and potential Gulf investment in food production. Regional spillover: Global fuel-price unrest tied to the Iran conflict is driving protests and blackouts worldwide, with Syria cited among the places where anger is turning into street action. Banking & investment: Estithmar Holding says it completed a 48.68% stake transfer in Shahba Bank to Masaref Holding, signaling continued financial-sector expansion tied to Syria’s recovery plans.

Fuel & Protests: Syria’s energy ministry defended a fuel price hike after diesel jumped about 40% and petrol up to 28%, with demonstrations spreading from Aleppo and Idlib to Hama and Deraa; protesters burned tires, blocked highways like the M5 and M4, and even halted tanker routes, while a black market for diesel reportedly surged as security units intercepted tankers heading to unlicensed refineries. Energy Supply Crunch: The government said the increases were “temporary,” blaming higher import costs and refinery disruption tied to maintenance at the Baniyas refinery, which reduced local refining capacity and forced heavier reliance on imports. Regional Trade Signals: Egypt’s ports reported strong Mediterranean and Red Sea activity, with rising agricultural and refined food exports—an indirect reminder of how fuel shocks ripple into logistics and production costs across the region. Industry Contracting: UAE’s Ras Al-Khaimah Cement awarded Sinoma an EPC deal for two cement silos and conveyors (1,500 tonnes/day each), underscoring continued investment in regional cement capacity. Security & Smuggling: Libya’s Tripoli seized 100,000 ecstasy tablets shaped like Gaddafi’s bust, while a separate east-based bust reportedly found captagon—highlighting ongoing cross-border illicit trade pressures.

Fuel-Cost Shock in Syria: Syrians are taking to the streets after a sudden decree lifted diesel prices by 40% and petrol by about 28%, with protests and road blockades reported from Aleppo and Idlib to Hama, Daraa and Qamishli; in the northeast, demonstrators even halted the M4 highway near Tal Tamr, while a black market for diesel is reportedly booming as security units intercept tankers heading to unlicensed refineries. Energy Supply Pressure: The government links the hikes to international oil pressures and domestic supply constraints tied to maintenance at the Banias refinery, warning the move could ripple across transport and more than 100 commodities. Politics & Legal Reset: Syria’s parliament voted to abolish the Assad-era “terrorism” court and nullify the legal effects of its rulings, a major early step for the new assembly. Regional Industry Watch: A UNDOF delegation visited southern Quneitra to discuss security demands and help farmers access farmland for the olive harvest season.

Fuel Protests & Energy Shock: Syrians staged fresh street protests after fuel prices jumped, with authorities calling the increase temporary while anger spread across cities and even into Kurdish areas. Agribusiness Exports: Syria shipped about 10,000 tonnes of fruit and vegetables in 10 days via 400 refrigerated trucks, with Gulf buyers—especially the UAE and Saudi Arabia—taking the biggest share. Trade & Logistics: Syria’s new push for regional trade got a boost as officials discussed reconnecting Tripoli’s port with Syria’s rail network, aiming to turn the route into a logistics gateway. Housing & Investment: Saudi-backed “Sham View” was unveiled in Damascus, targeting 10,000 housing units over five years as part of efforts to ease the capital’s housing crisis. Nuclear Oversight: Syria placed 73 tonnes of natural uranium under IAEA safeguards and moved to end its long-running safeguards dispute, signaling a shift in compliance. Governance & Justice: Parliament voted to abolish the Assad-era terrorism court and nullify its rulings, formalizing a major legal reset. US-Syria Diplomacy: US Secretary of State Marco Rubio spoke with Syria’s foreign minister on regional security, minority integration, and cooperation with the IAEA.

Fuel Price Protests: Syrians kept up street protests for a third day after diesel and gas prices jumped, with demonstrations reported from Aleppo to Qamishli and protesters blocking roads and burning tires, as authorities cite higher global costs and refinery maintenance. Energy Pressure: The unrest highlights how Syria’s battered refining capacity forces heavy fuel imports, turning regional shocks into local cost-of-living crises. Regional Trade Pitch: President Ahmad al-Sharaa used the UAE’s Arab Media Summit to sell Syria as a future trade and energy corridor, pointing to port investment and faster logistics links. UAE-Syria Business Talks: In Abu Dhabi, al-Sharaa met UAE leaders, with discussions focused on reconstruction, investment, and strengthening economic ties. Tripoli Logistics Push (Lebanon): Lebanon and Syria moved to reconnect Tripoli Port with the Syrian rail network, aiming to expand freight flows toward Homs and beyond. Nuclear Safeguards: Syria’s nuclear file remains in focus as the IAEA reports major safeguards developments, while Qatar renewed calls for eliminating nuclear weapons. US-Syria Economic Outreach: A US Chamber of Commerce delegation visited Damascus to encourage private-sector investment after sanctions easing.