Russia sends a shipment of oil and condensates to Syria amid complications of Western sanctions

Data from the London Stock Exchange Group and trade sources revealed that Russia is preparing to deliver about 750,000 barrels of Arctic heavy oil blend and gas condensates to the Syrian port of Baniyas, in a move that reflects the ongoing energy cooperation between Moscow and Damascus despite the Western restrictions imposed on Russian energy exports.

The tanker "Antarctica", which is of the "Aframax" type, is currently anchored near Baniyas after sailing from areas close to the Russian ports of Murmansk and Ust-Luga, where the shipment containing oil produced by "Gazprom Neft" and gas condensates from "Novatek" was loaded.

Although the identities of the official seller and buyer are unclear, the shipment comes in the context of energy cooperation discussed by Russian and Syrian officials during a meeting in Moscow this October, amid assurances that Syria represents a strategic gateway for Russia in the Middle East and Africa.

It is worth noting that Arctic oil is extracted from the "Prirazlomnaya" offshore platform and is classified as heavy crude, making it unsuitable for many refineries unless mixed with light condensates.

At the same time, a drone attack in September on the Ust-Luga condensate processing plant led to partial production disruption, resulting in a surplus that prompted Novatek to increase its exports.