A shipment of Iranian fuel reached the Syrian port of Banias at the end of last week, according to local media reports.

Syrian Days, an Arabic language website, quoted yesterday a source at the Syrian Ministry of Petroleum and Mineral Resources saying that a shipment of diesel from Iran reached the port of Banias “two days ago.”

Last week, a report filed by Reuters quoted shipping sources saying that three Iranian tankers carrying diesel were expected in Syria this week. The Syrian government did not comment on the story.

According to Syrian Days, the tanker that arrived at the end of last week carried fuel that will be used by plants using heavy equipment – other sources say the heavy oil being bought by Syria could also be used to power tanks.

While western sanctions do not ban the sale of oil products to Syria – they only ban their purchase – the Syrian authorities have faced significant difficulties because of a ban on shipping and tanker insurance as well as restrictions on banking relations.