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Syria’s Oil Crisis

Since the Syrian regime lost its grip on oil production, domestic oil prices have soared, increasing the civil war's burden on the Syrian economy, writes Mohammad Harfoush.
A man selling petrol and gas waits for clients in Ain Tarma neighbourhood, Damascus January 23, 2013.   REUTERS/Goran Tomasevic (SYRIA - Tags: CIVIL UNREST POLITICS BUSINESS EMPLOYMENT ENERGY) - RTR3CUPA
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A report issued by the Syrian opposition has revealed that the Free Syrian Army now controls all the oil wells in al-Hasakah province and that the Syrian authorities are trying to trade oil for food in these regions. The report also indicated that the armed opposition has taken over the economic sector in the province, which is located roughly 375 miles from Damascus and is known for producing wheat, oil and natural resources. This will significantly affect the regime's military operations.

According to official figures, al-Hasakah accounts for half of all Syrian oil production, which amounted to roughly 370,000 barrels a day before the outbreak of the revolution.

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