US Gasoline Shipment to Iraq Sparks Controversy Over Long Route and Costs

The Iraqi Oil Ministry spokesperson, Salim Al-Rakabi, detailed a gasoline shipment that reached Iraq from the United States via Syria. This shipment sparked broad controversy, being the first historically from the US, and due to its month-long journey, which significantly raised transportation and shipping costs. Al-Rakabi clarified Iraq imported the shipment under contract with Qatari firm "Urbacon" (UCC). Supplies move from the Mediterranean via Syria's Baniyas port, then by tankers overland to Baghdad. The shipment arrived on the tanker "Gaita" (Marshall Islands flag) from Houston. It was offloaded at Baniyas oil terminal, then gasoline was loaded into tankers for land transport to Iraqi territory. The shipment volume is between 234,000 and 300,000 barrels. Safwan Al-Sheikh, spokesperson for the Syrian Petroleum Company, confirmed, "This shipment is not for Syria; it will be transported by tankers to Iraq, under an agreement between the two countries." He added three tankers arrived in Baniyas for unloading and soon supplying Iraq. Iraq resorted to US imports after the Strait of Hormuz closure and amid a worsening gasoline shortage faced for months. This shipment, spanning approximately 13,000 kilometers, may pave the way for more future fuel imports, supported by political relations and Washington's backing for the Iraqi government in attracting energy investments. Al-Rakabi also stated Iraq seeks "immediate shipments with acceptable specifications and suitable price premiums" to cover local needs and bolster strategic reserves. Shipping maps show the "Gaita" tanker's route from Houston to Baniyas in Syria.