Syria Fuel Price Protests Block Highways Amid Widespread Discontent

Protests have erupted across several cities in Syria over increased fuel prices, which rose by up to 40 percent on diesel and 28 percent on petrol. The government cited a sharp rise in global costs as the reason for the hikes, which it said were temporary. However, protesters see this as an attempt to burden ordinary Syrians with higher living costs.

The price increases have sparked fierce debate on social media, with many calling for the government to reconsider its decision. Demonstrations took place in Hama, Khan Sheikhoun, and Maarat al-Numan, where crowds gathered on the streets and burned tyres to block highways. A main highway between Aleppo and Turkiye was blocked for several hours.

The Syrian Energy Minister, Mohammed al-Bashir, stated that the country is producing about 102,000 barrels of oil per day, but needs around 325,000 barrels for domestic consumption, forcing it to rely on imports. The Ministry of Energy has promised to review prices as global market conditions change and work towards expanding refining and storage capacity in the long term.