The Assad regime's control over oil revenues has led to widespread poverty in Syria despite the country's natural resources.
The decline in oil production since 2011 has had a devastating impact on the Syrian economy and the daily lives of its citizens.
Foreign involvement, particularly from Russia and the U.S., complicates the potential for a fair distribution of Syria's oil wealth.
The ongoing conflict and foreign interests may continue to hinder the effective management of Syria's oil resources.
As the situation evolves, there may be increased calls for transparency and accountability in the management of oil revenues.
The potential for reconstruction and development in Syria could be stifled if foreign powers maintain control over the oil sector.
The Hidden Wealth of Syrian Oil: A Legacy of Mismanagement
Recent discussions on social media have brought to light the mismanagement of Syria's oil wealth, particularly under the Assad regime. Activists have pointed out that the blackout on oil production figures and revenues began with Hafez al-Assad's rise to power and has continued under his son, Bashar al-Assad. Despite Syria's potential to produce around 300,000 barrels of oil per day, the regime has kept crucial information about oil fields and revenues concealed from the public.
The situation worsened after the outbreak of the Syrian revolution in 2011, when key oil fields fell into the hands of the Islamic State and later the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF). The most significant fields, including Sweidiyeh, Rmeilan, and Al-Omar, now account for 90% of the country's oil wealth. However, production has plummeted to just 30,000 barrels per day, leaving many Syrians in dire conditions.
The Impact on Syrian Lives
Despite the country's rich oil resources, ordinary Syrians continue to suffer from extreme poverty and lack of basic services. Activists have shared their daily struggles, highlighting issues such as long lines for gas, intermittent electricity, and inadequate healthcare. One activist lamented, “We were a people who had oil and didn’t know what it smelled like.” Another echoed this sentiment, noting the absence of hospitals and schools in oil-rich regions like Deir Ezzor and Hasakah.
Concerns have also been raised about the future management of Syria's oil wealth. Activists fear that the interests of foreign powers, including Russia and the United States, may overshadow the needs of the Syrian people. In 2018, Russia secured an agreement with the Syrian government for exclusive rights to the oil sector, but U.S. sanctions have complicated the situation. As the debate continues, many Syrians are left wondering how they can reclaim their wealth and ensure it benefits their communities rather than foreign interests.
