TotalEnergies CEO Discusses Offshore Exploration in Syria Amid Ongoing Security Concerns

TotalEnergies CEO Patrick Pouyanné said that security concerns still prevent a return to on‑shore oil operations, but confirmed the French company is rebuilding its Iraq‑Syria oil transit routes.

Speaking on Tuesday, Pouyanné announced he would discuss signing an offshore exploration contract with Syrian officials, while noting that persistent insecurity makes on‑shore activities unfeasible.

The CEO accompanied French President Emmanuel Macron on a business delegation visit to Syria, which was marked by bomb attacks in Damascus on Tuesday.

Before withdrawing from Syria in 2011 due to EU sanctions, Total produced roughly 30,000 barrels of oil per day in the country’s east, along with some gas.

“Clearly the security situation still does not allow us to work here today,” Pouyanné told journalists in Damascus.

“The sector is in poor condition. Various groups continued producing during the conflict, but in a completely irregular way. Frankly, Syria is not a major oil story,” he added.

The blast, which injured 18 people near the Four Seasons hotel where Macron had stayed, occurred shortly after Pouyanné’s remarks. A Total press representative declined to comment on whether the incident affected his schedule.

Macron’s motorcade had left the hotel before the explosions, and he continued with his itinerary, meeting President Ahmed al‑Sharaa at the presidential palace.

Offshore exploration

Total signed a memorandum of understanding with the Syrian Petroleum Company in May to explore an offshore block in the Mediterranean.

“Syria’s offshore area has never really been explored historically, so we have partnered with other companies to look into it. We will discuss it today with our Syrian counterparts to see whether we can move towards a contract,” Pouyanné said.

“Obviously, we’d rather find oil than gas, but in the eastern Mediterranean most discoveries so far, in Cyprus and Israel, for example, have been gas,” he added.

Total has also discussed building pipelines through Syria to transport Iraqi oil as an alternative to the Strait of Hormuz, following heightened tensions in the region.

Pouyanné reiterated that projects to rebuild oil transit routes between Iraq and Syria, such as the Kirkuk‑Baniyas pipeline, remain a priority.

No on‑site visits were planned during the trip, as the terrain is deemed unsafe for field teams.

“We need to give the government time to establish control over the country, and we must be realistic with a nation emerging from 15 years of civil war. Patience will be part of our discussions,” he said.

Looking to rebuild

France and Syria will begin restoring €51 million in confiscated Rifaat al‑Assad assets, the Élysée announced.

Macron said France is working to redefine its security and military cooperation with Syria, including possible support from French special forces in the fight against Islamic State.

Posting on X after the blasts, Macron affirmed that his visit was continuing and praised the “dignity, courage and determination” of the Syrians he met.

“We are not naïve about the risks, but they are being managed,” Macron said at a news conference with President Sharaa. “Certain groups seek to prevent Syria’s full reintegration into the international community.”

Macron has called for lifting Western sanctions on Syria and stated that France is ready to help rebuild the country’s economy and banking sector.

The Élysée also noted that logistics company CMA CGM has signed a partnership deal with Syria, including air‑cargo handling at Damascus airport.

(with Reuters)

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