US Imports Iraqi Fuel Oil via Syria for First Time Amid Strait of Hormuz Disruptions

The US has started importing Iraqi fuel oil through Syria for the first time. The shipments are transported overland from Iraq and loaded at Syria's Baniyas port before heading to the US Gulf Coast.

This new route is part of Iraq's strategy to diversify its export paths and maintain a backup route in case traffic through the Strait of Hormuz is disrupted again.

The move comes amid ongoing disruptions in traditional Gulf shipping channels, prompting Iraq's state oil marketer, SOMO, to explore alternative export corridors.