Qatar Plans Natural Gas Supply to Syria: A Geopolitical Shift in the Region

Qatar is set to supply natural gas to Syria via Jordan to improve the country’s electricity supply, amidst geopolitical complexities stemming from years of conflict. This initiative signifies Qatar’s ambition to link its vast gas reserves to Europe while addressing Syria’s immediate energy shortages.

On the backdrop of the ongoing conflict in Syria, Qatar is preparing to supply natural gas to the nation through Jordan. This very strategic initiative stems from a long-standing Qatari ambition of exporting gas to Europe, which notably began around 12 years ago during the onset of the Syrian civil war. Keeping the narrative alive, the current gas supply arrangement is portrayed as a commitment to enhancing Syria’s electricity supply, while also serving broader geopolitical objectives.

The agreement between Qatar’s development fund and Jordan’s energy ministry will facilitate the delivery of natural gas to Syria to alleviate the country’s acute electricity shortages. Aided by funding from Qatar, the initiative aims to enhance the output of the Deir Ali power plant, which is projected to gain an additional capacity of 400 megawatts daily.

The gas will be transported from Jordan’s Red Sea port of Aqaba through the Arab Gas Pipeline into Syria. This development comes at a time when Syria, having lost its oil supply from Iran, is facing severe electricity shortages, making the Qatari support essential for the nation’s interim leadership.

The United States seems to have offered tacit approval for the gas deal, despite President Trump’s intention to maintain a competitive energy market in Europe via LNG exports. Nevertheless, the Syrian electricity infrastructure requires substantial work to accommodate the incoming gas supply, and U.S. sanctions continue to complicate the situation, hampering significant Gulf investments to support Syria’s recovering economy.

Despite logistical and financial uncertainties surrounding the agreement, key stakeholders remain committed to realizing Qatar’s vision of connecting its vast natural gas reserves to European markets via Syria, while the interim Syrian government strives to address immediate energy needs and stabilize the region.

In conclusion, Qatar’s initiative to supply natural gas to Syria, facilitated through Jordan, marks a significant development in the context of a protracted geopolitical conflict. While this step aims to bolster Syria’s electricity supply and support its new leadership, it also underscores Qatari aspirations to establish a more direct gas pipeline to Europe. However, logistical challenges and ongoing sanctions persist, complicating the pathway to energy stability in Syria.

Original Source: oilprice.com