Chevron has entered into a Memorandum of Understanding with the state-owned Syrian Petroleum Company and Qatari-based UCC Holding to jointly assess offshore exploration opportunities in Syria. This agreement represents a potential step toward initiating the first-ever offshore exploration in the country, specifically in the East Mediterranean waters where Chevron already operates the nearby Leviathan gas field off the coast of Israel.

Context of Syrian Energy Sector

This development follows the Syrian government's recent pledge to restart oil and gas production after 14 years of civil war that severely damaged national energy infrastructure. Currently, domestic production is limited to approximately 100,000 barrels per day from onshore fields located in the north and east of the country.

Recent Government Control Over Resources

A key factor enabling these discussions is the government's assumption of control over major oil-producing areas in early January. These regions, including the Al Omar field, were previously controlled by Kurdish forces. Following this consolidation of control, the Syrian Petroleum Company has been engaged in talks with several international oil majors, including TotalEnergies, regarding the country's energy future.