US Firm HKN Energy Begins Operations at Syria's Rumailan Oil Fields Under 25-Year Investment Contract

Operations Launch at Rumailan

American energy firm HKN Energy has commenced development and investment operations at the Rumailan oil fields in Hasakah Governorate, under a 25-year investment contract. A source within the Syrian Petroleum Company confirmed that HKN began its operations several days ago, following a phased program covering drilling, production, and technical, operational, and security aspects, with the aim of ensuring continuity of work in accordance with internationally recognized safety and efficiency standards.

Production Share Distribution

The contract stipulates the following distribution of production shares among the three parties:

• 60% allocated to HKN Energy
• 32% allocated to the Syrian Petroleum Company
• 8% allocated to the Jazira Petroleum Services Company, affiliated with the Autonomous Administration

This agreement forms part of a broader plan to develop the oil and gas sector, improve field efficiency, and increase productive capacity over the coming years.

Coordination Meeting with Syrian Petroleum Company

On 9 June, the Syrian Petroleum Company held a meeting at the headquarters of the Hasakah Fields Directorate in Rumailan with HKN representatives. The meeting addressed the terms of the agreement relating to oil and gas sector development, as well as handover and operational plans for the next phase.

Strategic Significance of Rumailan

The Rumailan field ranks among Syria's most significant oil-producing areas. Prior to 2011, it yielded between 180,000 and 200,000 barrels per day, accounting for approximately half of Syria's total oil output at the time. HKN brings considerable regional experience to the venture, currently operating production at the Sarsang field in Dohuk Governorate and the Hamrin field in Iraq, the latter in partnership with Iraq's North Oil Company.

Broader Investment Drive in the Oil Sector

HKN's entry follows a series of technical assessment tours conducted by the Syrian Petroleum Company at the Rumailan and Suwaidiyah fields in Hasakah, as part of a rehabilitation plan aimed at restoring damaged fields and increasing oil and gas output. In February, the Syrian Petroleum Company also held discussions with representatives of American firms Hunt Oil and Baker Hughes on prospects for well rehabilitation and investment in the fields east of the Euphrates, reflecting a wider effort to attract the expertise and capital needed to revitalize Syria's oil sector.