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Demonstrations have erupted across multiple Syrian cities following a government decision to significantly raise fuel costs. The price adjustments, implemented on Sunday, increased diesel by as much as 40 percent and petrol by 28 percent. Authorities attributed the hikes to surging global energy expenses and ongoing maintenance work at the nation’s primary refinery facility.
Angry residents responded by taking to the streets in several locations, including Hama, Khan Sheikhoun, and Maarat al-Numan. Protesters engaged in disruptive tactics such as igniting tires and blocking major transportation routes for extended periods. The fuel price controversy also sparked heated exchanges across various social media platforms as citizens voiced their frustrations online.
Government officials explained that domestic production currently meets only about one-third of the country’s fuel needs, forcing substantial reliance on imports. The Energy Ministry indicated that the price increases were temporary measures and committed to monitoring rates as global market conditions fluctuate. Officials also pledged to work toward expanding the nation’s refining and storage infrastructure in coming years as part of broader economic recovery efforts following the country’s prolonged conflict.
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Originally reported by Aljazeera →
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