Syria is currently facing widespread protests, described as the most extensive since the fall of Assad, following a sudden government decision to significantly increase fuel prices. On Saturday, the Syrian government raised diesel prices by 40% and petrol prices by 28%. This abrupt increase has ignited public anger, with demonstrations, tire burning, and road blockages reported across several cities and provinces including Aleppo, Idlib, Hama, Daraa, Raqqa, Deir ez-Zor, and Hassakah.
The price adjustments mean one liter of diesel now costs 175 Syrian pounds ($1.31), up from 125 Syrian pounds ($0.94). Similarly, 95-octane gasoline rose to 195 Syrian pounds ($1.46) from 152 Syrian pounds ($1.14), and 90-octane gasoline increased to 185 Syrian pounds ($1.38) from 147 Syrian pounds ($1.10). The government has stated these increases are temporary, attributing them to rising global procurement costs, disruptions in shipping routes like the Strait of Hormuz due to the US-Iran war, and ongoing maintenance at the Baniyas oil refinery.
Syria's Energy Minister, Mohammed Al Bashir, noted that the country produces about 102,000 barrels of oil per day but requires approximately 325,000 barrels per day for domestic consumption, leading to a reliance on imports. This shortfall, coupled with higher international costs for refined products, shipping, and insurance, has been cited as the reason for the price hike. The protests underscore the severe economic crisis gripping Syria, where UN figures indicate that 90% of the population lives below the poverty line. Citizens fear these fuel price increases will further escalate the cost of living.
