‘People don’t have money’: Syrian fuel hikes deepen economic pain
A sudden government decree raised diesel by 40% and petrol by 28% in Syria, triggering widespread protests from Aleppo to Deraa. The hikes add to a long series of price increases that strain an economy still recovering from war and sanctions.
The Syrian government announced a sharp rise in fuel prices at midnight on Sunday, increasing diesel by 40 percent and petrol by 28 percent. By Monday morning, anger erupted in public squares across the country, with demonstrators blocking key roads and burning tyres in cities ranging from Aleppo in the north to Deraa in the south.
Nationwide Outrage
Within hours of the announcement, crowds gathered in Damascus, Hama, and Idlib, turning streets into protest zones. In the north, residents of Aleppo and Idlib blocked the M4 highway near Tal Tamr, preventing hundreds of oil tankers from passing. Protesters demanded a reversal of the price hike, threatening to keep the road closed until the government complied.
In the south, demonstrators in Deraa and surrounding areas burned tyres and obstructed the main highway linking Damascus to Aleppo. While the intensity of the protests has eased in some areas, the underlying frustration remains high, with many citizens still demanding relief from the new costs.
Economic Context and Impact
The fuel price increase comes on the heels of a series of hikes that have already pushed petrol prices up by roughly 86 percent and diesel more than double since February. These rises have compounded a fragile economy that is still rebuilding after a decade‑long war and the fall of Bashar al‑Assad’s regime in December 2024.
Nearly 90 percent of Syrians live below the poverty line, according to United Nations estimates. A sudden jump in fuel costs directly raises transportation and food prices, making basic necessities even harder to afford. The new government has removed many international sanctions, yet the pace of economic recovery has not met the urgent needs of the population.
Public transport has felt the strain immediately. Minibuses that once charged 30 cents per ride now raise fares to 45 cents. Drivers report that their earnings are almost entirely consumed by fuel expenses. One bus operator, Adel Ali Meree, said he works an eight‑hour shift and ends up with only a few dollars left after covering diesel costs.
Tourism operators also face higher costs. Bashar Sleiman, who runs a tour bus that consumes 90 litres of diesel daily, notes that the cost of refueling has risen from the equivalent of $84 to $120. He plans to increase daily rates for tourists by at least $15 to cover the added fuel expense.
Cross‑border routes have not been spared. Ahmed Sweid, who drives a 25‑passenger bus between Idlib and Beirut, now spends $280 on diesel for a round trip, while keeping ticket prices at $40. The company relies on full bookings to absorb the financial hit, but operators remain anxious about the sustainability of the current pricing structure.
Local Markets and Supply Chain Strains
In Damascus’s Mezzeh neighbourhood, produce sellers like Ahmed Obeid have seen freight charges triple overnight, from $4 to $12 per load. “When fuel prices go up, transport costs go up,” Obeid explained. “That extra cost is passed on to the consumer, but people don’t have money.”
The Ministry of Energy attributes the high costs to the difficulty of securing fuel internationally. Syria produces about 100,000 barrels of crude oil daily, while domestic demand requires roughly 300,000 to 325,000 barrels of oil and petroleum products. Consequently, the country imports about 60 percent of its diesel supply.
Government Response and Future Outlook
The People’s Assembly was scheduled to question Energy Minister Mohammed al‑Bashir over the price increases but postponed the session until September 20 to allow the ministry more preparation time. The government insists that the hikes are temporary, but for a population already burdened by inflation and damaged infrastructure, a temporary shock can be devastating.
With global oil markets still volatile and the Syrian economy struggling to stabilize, many citizens fear that the price increases will persist. The protests continue to signal a deepening crisis, and the government’s ability to address the economic pain remains uncertain.
Why it matters
The fuel hikes exacerbate an already fragile economy, threatening livelihoods and food security for millions of Syrians.
Key points
- Sudden 40% diesel and 28% petrol hike sparked nationwide protests
- Fuel price increases are part of a longer trend of rising costs since February
- Transport and tourism operators face higher operating costs, leading to fare hikes
- Cross‑border bus routes now cost significantly more in fuel
- The government claims hikes are temporary, but economic strain persists
Frequently asked questions
How much has fuel price increased in Syria recently?
Diesel rose 40% and petrol 28% overnight, following an 86% rise in petrol and more than a 100% rise in diesel since February.
Why are fuel prices so high in Syria?
High international oil prices, sanctions, and the need to import most of the country’s diesel contribute to the steep costs.
