ALBAWABA - The Impacts of the recent war in the Middle East have begun to reshape the global trade and energy map. The closure of the Strait of Hormuz, one of the most important maritime chokepoints, has forced countries to seek new land and sea routes.
Syria has emerged as a central player in these shifts, positioning itself as a potential strategic transit point between Asia and Europe.
Thanks to its geographical location, connecting Syria to Turkey, Iraq, Jordan, and Lebanon, and its Mediterranean ports such as Latakia and Banias, Damascus has emerged as an alternative route for transporting oil and goods following the closure of the strait, through which a significant portion of the world's energy supplies passed, according to The New York Times.
According to Syrian officials, shipments of oil and goods have already begun moving through Syrian territory. Trucks from Iraq and Gulf states are transporting oil overland through Syria for re-export via Mediterranean ports, The New York Times reported.
Mazen Alloush, Director of Local and International Relations at the Syrian Border and Customs Authority, stated that "the closure of the Strait of Hormuz has prompted most countries in the region to seek alternatives, and Syria has become one of the most important options due to its geographical location and seaports."
Field data indicates that more than 400 tanker trucks cross daily at certain times, carrying up to 10,500 gallons of crude oil each, given the limited storage capacity at the port of Banias.
