Syria protests erupt as fuel prices soar by 40%

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Protests have erupted across Syria following a sharp increase in fuel prices, in the country’s most widespread demonstrations since the overthrow of Bashar al-Assad nearly two years ago.

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Demonstrators burned tyres and blocked major roads, including the highway connecting the capital, Damascus, with the industrial city of Aleppo.

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The protests followed the government’s decision on Saturday to raise diesel prices by 40% to 175 Syrian pounds ($1.32) per litre.

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The government also increased household and industrial gas prices by about 9%, while the price of 95-octane petrol rose 28% to 195 pounds and 90-octane petrol increased 26% to 185 pounds.

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The latest increases have added to the pressure on Syrians already struggling with a prolonged economic crisis.

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The United Nations Development Programme estimates that about 90% of Syrians live below the poverty line, compared with roughly one-third before the civil war began in 2011.

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Protesters in Aleppo also blocked convoys of crude oil tankers travelling towards refineries in central Syria.

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Some demonstrators demanded the removal of the energy and economy ministers, as well as the head of the Syrian Petroleum Company.

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“We don’t want higher wages. All we want is lower diesel and other fuel prices,” Yasser Salim, a protester in Aleppo, told Reuters.

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Another demonstrator, Bassam al-Ali, appealed directly to President Ahmed al-Sharaa over the worsening economic conditions.

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“Border crossings bring in millions of dollars. We don’t want new roundabouts or malls. We just want to live,” he said.

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The Energy Ministry said the price increases were a temporary measure caused by higher global procurement costs and Syria’s dependence on imported fuel.

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Ministry spokesperson Abdulhamid Salat said the prices could be revised depending on market conditions.

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Syria has relied heavily on Russian crude, importing about 60,000 barrels per day this year. However, supplies have come under pressure as Ukrainian attacks on Russian refineries have affected production, while Moscow has restricted some gasoline and diesel exports.

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The country’s fuel shortage has also been worsened by the three-month closure of the Baniyas refinery, Syria’s largest refinery, for major maintenance.

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The latest increases mean the price of 95-octane petrol has risen about 86% since February, while diesel prices have more than doubled.

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Taxi driver Imad Abu Ras, 44, said the rising fuel costs were already creating problems for passengers and warned that higher transport costs would push up the prices of other goods.

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“Now vegetables and everything else will go up with fuel prices. What is the solution? Steal? We can’t steal,” he said.

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