‘People don’t have money’: Syrian fuel hikes deepen economic pain

What the report says

Al Jazeera reported that a sudden government fuel-price increase in Syria has quickly deepened economic pressure on households, transport operators and merchants. The decree, announced at midnight on Sunday and taking effect Monday, raised diesel prices by 40% and petrol by 28%, triggering protests in multiple cities and towns, including Aleppo, Idlib, Hama and Deraa. Demonstrators burned tyres and blocked roads, while unrest also spread to northeastern Syria, where protesters reportedly halted the M4 highway near Tal Tamr.

The article said the price shock comes after several earlier increases since February, adding to hardship in a country where the United Nations estimates most people live below the poverty line. Because fuel is central to transport and goods delivery, even a small jump can push up bus fares, freight charges and food prices. Drivers and sellers quoted by Al Jazeera described shrinking margins and higher costs that are difficult to pass on because many Syrians cannot afford more.

Al Jazeera also noted that Syria’s economy remains fragile after more than a decade of war and the fall of Bashar al-Assad in December 2024. The new government has sought to improve the economy and reduce sanctions pressure, but it still relies heavily on imports for fuel. The Ministry of Energy said domestic output is far below demand and that much of diesel supply is imported. Parliament was due to question Energy Minister Mohammed al-Bashir about the hikes, but the session was postponed.

The report suggests the dispute is about more than prices: it reflects the difficulty of rebuilding basic services while incomes stay depressed and inflation remains high.