Eco
The spokesperson for the Iraqi Ministry of Oil, Salim al-Rikabi, revealed details of a gasoline shipment's arrival in Iraq from the United States via Syria. This marks the first time Iraq has imported from the US, sparking wide debate due to the extended supply route—approximately one month—which significantly raised transportation and shipping costs. Al-Rikabi explained that the import occurred under a contract with the Qatari company "Urbacon" (UCC), transporting supplies from the Mediterranean region via Syria's Baniyas port, then overland by tankers to Baghdad. The shipment arrived aboard the tanker "Gaita," flying the Marshall Islands flag, having departed from Houston. Following cargo unloading at Baniyas oil terminal, the gasoline was transferred into tankers for border transport to Iraqi territory. The shipment volume is estimated between 234,000 and 300,000 barrels. Safwan al-Sheikh, spokesperson for the Syrian Petroleum Company, affirmed the shipment is for Iraq, not Syria, under a bilateral agreement. He noted three tankers arrived at Baniyas, which will be progressively unloaded for supply to Iraq soon. Iraq's shift to importing US gasoline follows the closure of the Strait of Hormuz and a worsening domestic gasoline shortage in recent months. This new 13,000-kilometer route could pave the way for future fuel imports, bolstered by strong political ties and US support for the Iraqi government in attracting energy sector investments. Al-Rikabi stressed Iraq seeks "immediate shipments with acceptable specifications and reasonable price premiums" to meet local needs and enhance strategic reserves.
