BEIRUT/WASHINGTON: Damascus has agreed to drastically reduce imports of Russian oil as part of its ongoing discussions with the United States on lifting the last major sanctions designation on Syria, three sources familiar with the conversations told Reuters. Such a reduction would represent a major shift in energy policy in Syria, which has become heavily reliant on Russian oil despite a political pivot to the West. It would also be a new way for the US to exert pressure on Russia’s economic sway in the country, experts say.

Syria agrees to reduce Russian oil imports in US sanctions talks, but its 60,000 barrels-per-day dependence on Moscow makes any energy pivot a

Syria agrees to cut Russian oil imports in US sanction talks. Crude oil reaching a new all-time high by December 31 at 11.5% YES.