Syria expects to double gas production to 15 million cubic meters in 2026

Syrian Energy Minister Muhammad al-Bashir said on Sunday that Syria expects its natural gas production to rise to 15 million cubic meters by the end of 2026, compared to about 7 million cubic meters currently.

This comes as part of the war-torn country’s efforts to boost its domestic energy supply.

Syria suffers from a severe shortage of energy and fuel following a 14-year civil war, which has severely damaged energy infrastructure and reduced production.

Al-Bashir said that Syria produces about 100,000 barrels per day, and aims to increase production if the problems east of the Euphrates River are resolved.

Al-Bashir is participating in a ministerial meeting of the Organization of Arab Petroleum Exporting Countries (OAPEC), held in Kuwait.

Meeting topics

The 115th ministerial meeting of the Arab Energy Organization, which began its work today in Kuwait, headed by Tariq Al-Roumi, Kuwaiti Minister of Oil and Chairman of the current session, discussed developments related to the oil and energy sectors and strengthening joint Arab cooperation in a way that consolidates the vital role that the organization plays in supporting the interests of member states and enhances its presence in global energy markets.

Minister Al-Roumi said in his opening speech that the meeting comes at an important and sensitive time for the organization’s work. In view of the rapid transformations and major challenges that the global energy sector is witnessing, it requires continuing to unify visions and enhance coordination among member states in a way that supports stability in energy markets and enhances the organization’s presence in the regional and international scenes.

He added that the meeting’s agenda includes a group of fundamental topics that affect the organization’s affairs, which contribute to strengthening its progress, as it includes discussing items related to the draft estimated budget for the year 2026, in addition to reviewing the latest developments related to the draft study of the organization’s development.

He pointed out that the meeting also reviews the latest developments in implementing the project to review and update systems and regulations and follow up on initiatives and strategies.

He affirmed the State of Kuwait’s full support for all initiatives and steps implemented by the organization in order to develop its work and enhance its ability to keep pace with global transformations in the energy sector and deepen integration among member states in a way that consolidates the organization’s position as a leading Arab platform.

For his part, Jamal Al-Loughani, Secretary-General of the Arab Energy Organization, said in his speech that the organization is facing a new historical phase full of aspirations and opportunities as well as challenges that require concerted efforts.

He stressed the importance of the Ministerial Council as the main pillar in coordinating efforts and policies aimed at creating the support structure for the future of the organization, expressing his thanks to the Council for the support and guidance it provides.

Egypt proposes Arab connectivity

During the meeting, Egyptian Minister of Petroleum Karim Badawy said that Egypt is putting forward initiatives to enhance Arab energy security, including establishing an Arab mechanism to coordinate emergency purchases of oil and liquefied natural gas.

The minister added that the initiatives proposed by Egypt are “preparing a map for the Arab Energy Interconnection 2030, with the aim of identifying priority projects in the fields of pipelines, receiving stations, and transporting crude and liquefied natural gas, in addition to establishing an Arab mechanism to coordinate emergency purchases of crude oil and liquefied natural gas, and to exchange shipments when needed.”

He added that the initiatives also include “creating a digital platform for member states to display investment opportunities in the fields of research, exploration, production, refining, petrochemicals, storage, trading, transportation, and new and renewable energy.”