Syrians Launch Widespread Protests Over Shock Fuel Price Hikes

Syrians took to the streets for a second consecutive day on Monday to demonstrate against a sudden government decision to steeply increase fuel prices. Angry crowds ignited fires and blocked major roads in defiance. Cities and towns across northern Syria – including Hama, Khan Sheikhoun, and Maarat Al Numan – became epicentres for intense protests against the unannounced policy shift that was revealed overnight between Saturday and Sunday.

“We went to sleep and woke up to this,” shared a resident of Idlib who witnessed the demonstrations. “It was a shock, because this is not just about fuel, it will affect the cost of living.” The government's unexpected move to temporarily spike fuel prices—raising diesel by up to 40 per cent and petrol by 28 per cent—arrived as citizens were already grappling with severe economic hardship. United Nations data indicates that approximately 90 per cent of the population currently survives below the poverty line.

The administration explained that the temporary adjustments were forced by soaring global fuel acquisition costs tied to disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz and alternative shipping lanes, alongside escalated transport and insurance expenses stemming from the US-Iran war. These demonstrations followed an announcement by Mohammed Al Bashir, Syria's Energy Minister, who stated that the “increase was needed to bridge a temporary gap between the cost of securing petroleum products and their domestic selling prices,” according to the state-run Syrian Arab News Agency.

Despite producing oil and gas domestically, Syria's dependency on imports has grown due to ongoing rehabilitation efforts at the Baniyas oil refinery situated in Tartus governorate, a government source explained. “During the maintenance period, domestic refining capacity is temporarily reduced, requiring additional imports of finished petroleum products,” the source noted. “The broader pressure comes from the higher international cost of refined products, shipping, insurance and supply.”

Mr Al Bashir pointed out that Syria generates roughly 102,000 barrels of oil per day yet demands nearly 325,000 bpd to satisfy domestic needs, generating a heavy reliance on imports to bridge the deficit. Stable fuel supplies remain vital for Syria as the nation attempts to reconstruct and stimulate economic recovery following nearly 14 years of devastating civil war.