Baghdad (IraqiNews.com) — The Iraqi Ministry of Oil announced on Monday, August 10, 2026, plans to construct a major new pipeline network featuring two strategic export routes toward Faysh Khabur and the Syrian port of Baniyas. The infrastructure push aims to diversify Iraq’s crude oil export outlets beyond its primary southern Gulf terminals.
Deputy Oil Minister for Extraction Affairs, Nseer Aziz, chaired an executive planning meeting to establish implementation frameworks for the multi-billion-dollar project. Discussions centered on finalizing investment mechanics under a Build-Own-Operate-Transfer (BOOT) model with a consortium of global energy firms including UCC, TI Capital, and Chevron.
The dual-pipeline initiative marks a decisive effort by Baghdad to reduce its reliance on southern Gulf ports following severe disruptions caused by the closure of the Strait of Hormuz.
By linking Basra’s southern production hubs directly to northern transit corridors at Faysh Khabur and Mediterranean terminals at Baniyas, Iraq aims to secure uninterrupted crude flows to global markets, lower war-risk freight costs, and enhance long-term energy marketing flexibility.