Fuel Price Hike Sparks Wave of Protests Across Syria
A nearly 40 percent increase in fuel prices triggered widespread public protests and road blockages in several areas of Syria on Sunday, highlighting anger over further pressure on living costs.
The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said demonstrations were held in various areas of Hasakah, Deir ez-Zor, Raqqa and the Aleppo countryside. According to the group, protesters also blocked roads in a number of the demonstrations.
The protests have spread as fuel prices directly affect transport, heating and various service sectors in Syria. The latest price increases have deepened concerns that daily life for residents will become even more difficult.
The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said calls for protests in several areas had increased after fuel prices went up. The group said rising public discontent was one of the main factors behind the spread of the demonstrations.
Syria’s Energy Ministry confirmed that the price increase was due to an exceptional rise in the global cost of supplying these products and the simultaneous suspension of operations at the Baniyas refinery for repairs. According to the ministry, the nearly two-month complete shutdown of the refinery has increased the need for temporary imports of petroleum products.
The ministry also said pressure on Syria’s fuel market is not limited to crude oil prices, and that reduced supply, disruptions in refining capacity, and higher transport, shipping and insurance costs have also contributed to the rising cost of supplying petrol, diesel and fuel oil. Based on the ministry’s announcement, Syria’s current daily demand for oil and its derivatives is about 300,000 barrels, while domestic crude oil production is estimated at around 100,000 barrels per day.
Hasakah, Deir ez-Zor and Raqqa are among the key provinces in northern and eastern Syria, where any change in fuel prices can quickly affect transport, services and people’s livelihoods.
