Why is Syria's energy sector in turmoil?

Syria's energy sector is in turmoil because of the ongoing civil conflict that began in the spring of 2011, with oil and natural gas production declining dramatically since then. Syria's energy sector has encountered a number of challenges as a result of conflict and subsequent sanctions imposed by the United States and the European Union.

What type of energy is primarily used in Syria?

In Syria, most energy is based on oil and gas. Some energy infrastructure was damaged by the Syrian civil war. In the 2000s, Syria's electric power system struggled to meet the growing demands presented by an increasingly energy-hungry society.

What happened to Syria's oil & natural gas industry?

Syria, previously the eastern Mediterranean's leading oil and natural gas producer, has seen its production fall to a fraction of pre-conflict levels. Syria is no longer able to export oil, and as a result, government revenues from the energy sector have fallen significantly.

Why is energy demand increasing in Syria?

Energy demand in Syria has been increasing at a rate of roughly 7.5% per year due to the expansion of the industrial and service sectors, the spread of energy-intensive home appliances, and state policies that encouraged wasteful energy practices, such as high subsidies and low tariffs.

How much shale oil does Syria have?

Syria also has shale oil resources, with estimates of reserves in 2010 ranging as high as 50 billion tons according to Syrian government sources.5 The Syrian government delayed a bidding round for the country's shale resources—scheduled for November 2011—because of the political situation in the country.

How does Syria use natural gas?

Most of Syria's natural gas is used by commercial and residential customers and in power generation. Syria also uses its natural gas in oil—recovery efforts, with approximately 20% of daily gross production reinjected into the country's oil fields between 2004 and 2013.