A sharp rise in fuel prices has triggered widespread protests across Syria. They are the biggest demonstrations in the country since the overthrow of former president Bashar al-Assad’s regime almost two years ago.
The protests began after the Syrian government on Saturday raised the price of diesel by 40% – to 175 Syrian pounds ($1.32) per litre.
Demonstrators burned tyres and blocked key roads, including the highway linking the capital Damascus with the industrial hub of Aleppo. Protesters also stopped convoys of fuel tankers heading to refineries in the central part of the country.
Some participants demanded the resignation of the ministers of energy and economy, as well as the head of the Syrian Oil Company.
In addition to diesel, the authorities raised prices for gas for household and industrial use by about 9%. The price of 95-octane petrol rose by 28% – to 195 Syrian pounds per litre, while 90-octane petrol increased by 26%, to 185 pounds.
The price rises have intensified economic pressure on the population. According to UN estimates, around 90% of Syrians live below the poverty line. Before the outbreak of the civil war in 2011, the figure was about a third of the population.
Syria’s Ministry of Energy said that the price increase is a temporary measure. The ministry’s spokesperson, Abdulhamid Salat, said it was driven by higher global procurement costs and the country’s heavy reliance on imports. He added that prices could be revised either upwards or downwards depending on the situation.
Syria is heavily dependent on Russian oil. This year, the country is importing about 60,000 barrels a day from Russia, although Damascus has told Washington it is ready to significantly cut these purchases.
Supplies of Russian petroleum products have also been affected by Ukrainian strikes on Russian refineries, which have reduced output. In response, Moscow has restricted exports of petrol and diesel.
- Fuel shortages in Syria were further exacerbated by the three-month closure of the country’s largest refinery in Baniyas. The facility was shut down for its first comprehensive maintenance overhaul.