Syria Fuel Price Hikes Trigger Widespread Protests After Assad’s Fall
Sharp increases in fuel prices have triggered widespread protests across Syria, marking the country’s largest demonstrations since the fall of Bashar al-Assad nearly two years ago.
The protests began after the government raised diesel prices by 40% to 175 Syrian pounds per litre. Gas prices increased by around 9%, while 95-octane gasoline rose 28% to 195 pounds and 90-octane gasoline increased 26% to 185 pounds.
Demonstrators burned tyres and blocked major roads, including the highway connecting Damascus with Aleppo. Some protesters also stopped crude-oil tanker convoys and called for the removal of the energy and economy ministers and the head of the Syrian Petroleum Company.
The government said the increases were temporary and resulted from higher global procurement, refining, transport and supply costs. Syria has been heavily dependent on imported Russian crude, while Ukrainian attacks on Russian refineries have contributed to fuel supply pressures.
The situation has been worsened by the closure of Syria’s Baniyas refinery for major maintenance. Since February, diesel prices have more than doubled, while 95-octane gasoline has increased by about 86%. With around 90% of Syrians estimated to live below the poverty line, protesters fear higher fuel costs will further increase transportation and food prices.
