Fuel Price Hikes Spark Anti-Government Protests Across Eight Syrian Provinces
Rising fuel and basic goods prices in Syria have triggered a new wave of public protests for a second straight day in different parts of the country. Protesters, blaming Abu Mohammed al-Jolani for the economic crisis, have called for his overthrow.
According to reports, the protests have spread across at least eight Syrian cities and provinces, intensifying concerns over rising transport costs, food prices and other essential goods. In several areas, protesters blocked main roads and international routes and burned car tyres to show their discontent.
Aleppo, Idlib, Hama, Damascus countryside, Daraa, Raqqa, Deir al-Zour and Hasakah are among the areas where demonstrations have been reported. It has also been reported that some protesters attacked several police stations in different cities last night.
As the protests expanded, a number of members of the Syrian parliament signed a joint petition calling for an urgent meeting with Syria’s Energy Minister Mohammed al-Bashir. The request comes as public pressure on state institutions grows following the rising cost of living.
Syria’s Energy Ministry had previously said the fuel price increase was due to an exceptional rise in the global cost of supplying these products, as well as the suspension of operations at the Baniyas refinery because of maintenance work. Baniyas is one of Syria’s key oil refining centres, and disruption to its operations could affect fuel supplies in parts of the country.
