Turkey and Syria Seal Historic Gas Deal — Will This End Syria’s Energy Crisis?
Syria and Turkey have taken a major step toward economic cooperation with a landmark natural gas agreement that could transform Syria’s crippled energy sector. Syrian Energy Minister Mohammad al-Bashir announced Friday that Ankara will supply six million cubic meters of natural gas daily through the Kilis-Aleppo pipeline. This deal marks a significant shift in relations between the two nations, which have been strained by years of conflict. For Syria, this could mean longer electricity hours and a much-needed boost to its war-torn infrastructure.
The agreement comes at a critical time for Syria, where power shortages have left citizens with as little as four hours of electricity per day. The Kilis-Aleppo pipeline, running from southern Turkey to northern Syria, will feed the Aleppo natural gas power plant, directly addressing one of the country’s most pressing issues. Turkish Energy Minister Alparslan Bayraktar confirmed that gas flows will begin within three months, signaling rapid implementation. If successful, this could be the first step in rebuilding Syria’s devastated energy grid after nearly 14 years of war.
This deal also highlights Turkey’s growing influence in post-Assad Syria. Since the ouster of Bashar al-Assad in December, Ankara has moved quickly to strengthen ties with Damascus, including reopening its embassy. By supplying natural gas, Turkey is positioning itself as a key player in Syria’s reconstruction efforts. The move aligns with Qatar’s recent initiative to fund gas supplies from Jordan, showing a coordinated regional push to stabilize Syria’s energy sector.
Qatar’s earlier involvement in funding gas supplies from Jordan aimed to generate 400 megawatts of electricity daily, primarily at the Deir Ali power station near Damascus. Now, with Turkey’s contribution, Syria could see a substantial increase in power generation capacity. Both Turkey and Qatar have advocated for lifting international sanctions on Syria, arguing that humanitarian and infrastructure needs must take priority over political disputes.
The timing of this deal is no coincidence. The U.S. recently eased sanctions for six months, allowing fuel and electricity donations to Syria, while Britain lifted energy sector sanctions last month. These developments have opened the door for foreign investment and aid, which Damascus claims will “directly contribute to improving living conditions.” However, critics warn that without a long-term political solution, these measures may only provide temporary relief.
For now, the Turkey-Syria gas deal represents a rare glimmer of hope for millions of Syrians who have endured years of blackouts and fuel shortages. If successfully implemented, it could pave the way for further cooperation, not just in energy but in broader economic recovery. The big question remains: Will this be enough to pull Syria out of its energy crisis, or is it just a drop in the ocean?
The agreement comes at a critical time for Syria, where power shortages have left citizens with as little as four hours of electricity per day. The Kilis-Aleppo pipeline, running from southern Turkey to northern Syria, will feed the Aleppo natural gas power plant, directly addressing one of the country’s most pressing issues. Turkish Energy Minister Alparslan Bayraktar confirmed that gas flows will begin within three months, signaling rapid implementation. If successful, this could be the first step in rebuilding Syria’s devastated energy grid after nearly 14 years of war.
This deal also highlights Turkey’s growing influence in post-Assad Syria. Since the ouster of Bashar al-Assad in December, Ankara has moved quickly to strengthen ties with Damascus, including reopening its embassy. By supplying natural gas, Turkey is positioning itself as a key player in Syria’s reconstruction efforts. The move aligns with Qatar’s recent initiative to fund gas supplies from Jordan, showing a coordinated regional push to stabilize Syria’s energy sector.
Qatar’s earlier involvement in funding gas supplies from Jordan aimed to generate 400 megawatts of electricity daily, primarily at the Deir Ali power station near Damascus. Now, with Turkey’s contribution, Syria could see a substantial increase in power generation capacity. Both Turkey and Qatar have advocated for lifting international sanctions on Syria, arguing that humanitarian and infrastructure needs must take priority over political disputes.
The timing of this deal is no coincidence. The U.S. recently eased sanctions for six months, allowing fuel and electricity donations to Syria, while Britain lifted energy sector sanctions last month. These developments have opened the door for foreign investment and aid, which Damascus claims will “directly contribute to improving living conditions.” However, critics warn that without a long-term political solution, these measures may only provide temporary relief.
For now, the Turkey-Syria gas deal represents a rare glimmer of hope for millions of Syrians who have endured years of blackouts and fuel shortages. If successfully implemented, it could pave the way for further cooperation, not just in energy but in broader economic recovery. The big question remains: Will this be enough to pull Syria out of its energy crisis, or is it just a drop in the ocean?
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