Momentum is building, with talks involving the Syrian government and international companies such as Shell, Tatneft, and Gulfsands, among others. Yet major obstacles remain:
The energy infrastructure is in ruins, requiring billions in investment.
$800m–$1b in unresolved claims from past contracts.
Lingering disputes with the SDF over control of key oil fields.
Bottom line: Sanctions relief alone won’t revive Syria’s oil sector—lasting recovery depends on stable and clear governance, fresh investment, and resolving old disputes.