Syria’s new government has found a new supplier to help relieve its acute fuel shortages and replace part of the approximately 80,000 b/d of crude oil previously sent by Iran to the Assad regime; Russia. But rather than simply replacing Iranian crude oil supplies to Syria’s refineries, Russia is supplying a combination of crude oil and key refined products.

The development comes as Russia and Syria are considering a reset in their relationship. Moscow views its Hmeimim and Tartus military bases as strategically crucial assets on the Mediterranean Sea, and while the overthrow of the Assad regime lost it a key ally, the ability to supply crucial oil volumes is a trump card which can win it favor with the new government. (CONTINUED - 955 WORDS)

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