Total Energies begins technical talks to return to Syria

Informed sources revealed a significant development in the return of the French company Total Energies to the Syrian oil and gas sector. This development was marked by a virtual meeting between the global company's management and the management of Deir ez-Zor Petroleum Company (DEZPC). During the meeting, the two sides discussed ways to reactivate old partnership contracts and resume operations in Syrian oil fields.

Details of the Meeting

According to the information, the meeting took place via videoconference. Total Energies' management and technical team participated, while the Syrian side was represented by the management of Deir ez-Zor Petroleum Company, the joint venture that managed Total's contracts in Syria before 2012.

The discussions focused on three main points:

- The mechanism for returning to Syria after the lifting of sanctions.

- An assessment of the current condition of the fields and wells.

- The technical needs and equipment required to resume operations.

Preparation in Houston

This meeting follows a series of preceding contacts and negotiations, the groundwork for which was laid in Houston, Texas, where Mr. Youssef Qablawi, Director General of the Syrian Petroleum Company, held preparatory meetings with Total officials. Total's Fields in Syria and Their Production Before 2011

Total, through its subsidiary Deir ez-Zor Oil Company, operated three main fields in Deir ez-Zor Governorate:

- Al-Jafra Field (Oil)

- Al-Qahar Field (Oil)

- Al-Tabiyah Field (Gas and Condensate)

According to official data, Deir ez-Zor Oil Company's production reached approximately 27,000 barrels per day in 2011. However, other sources indicate that production from the Al-Jafra and Al-Qahar fields alone ranged between 40,000 and 50,000 barrels per day before the outbreak of the revolution in March 2011.

Total's total production in Syria (including gas and condensate from the Al-Tabiyah field) averaged 39,000 barrels of oil equivalent per day in 2011.

Remaining Contract Term at the Time of Force Majeure

In December 2011, Total announced the suspension of its operations in Syria in compliance with European sanctions, following a sharp reduction in production that began in November of the same year.

Total had renewed its 50% stake in the Deir ez-Zor concession in 2008, extending its rights to pump oil until 2021. When the company announced its cessation of operations in December 2011, approximately 10 years remained of the contract (from 2011 to 2021).

Current Field Status

An inspection tour conducted by CEO Youssef Qablawi at the Jafra field in early 2026 revealed a significant decline in production:

- The field consists of 70 wells, of which only 30 are currently producing.

Current production does not exceed 3,000 barrels per day, compared to 40,000-50,000 barrels per day before 2011.

Syria's total oil production has declined to 100,000 barrels per day currently, compared to 360,000 barrels per day in 2010.

Prospects for a Return

With the lifting of sanctions on Syria, Total Energies has expressed its readiness to consider resuming operations under the previous partnership agreement.

Sources confirm that Deir ez-Zor Oil Company remains responsible for managing the contract technically, financially, and contractually, which facilitates a return once the necessary technical and security arrangements are finalized.