Protests in Syria have erupted following a sharp increase in gasoline and diesel prices. These protests emerged after the government's decision to significantly raise fuel prices and have spread to six provinces of the country.
Reasons for Price Increases
The Syrian government has attributed this price increase to the rising costs of fuel supply in global markets and temporary issues arising from the repair of the Baniyas refinery. However, protesters have taken to the streets in response to these price hikes, which impose further economic pressure on households at a time when a large portion of the population is facing poverty and reduced purchasing power.
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According to reports, the price of diesel has increased from 125 to 175 Syrian pounds, representing a 40 percent increase, while the price of 95-octane gasoline has risen from 152 to 195 pounds, marking an approximate 28 percent increase. Additionally, the price of 90-octane gasoline has also increased by 26 percent to reach 185 pounds.
Dimensions and Consequences of the Protests
The protests have rapidly spread to various regions of Syria, including Aleppo, Idlib, Hama, Hasakah, Raqqa, and Deir ez-Zor. Protesters have expressed their dissent against these price increases by burning tires and blocking roads, including the main route connecting Damascus and Aleppo. In Idlib province, gatherings included blocking main roads and burning tires.
In some areas, protesters stopped oil tanker trucks on their way to refineries. Reports indicate that on September 13, 36 protests were recorded across Syria, which accounts for more than half of all fuel-related protests in the country since the beginning of this year.
Many protesters in their gatherings, in addition to opposing the fuel price increase, have called for structural changes in the government and the removal of senior officials related to the country's economic management. In this context, some protesters criticized President Ahmad Al-Shara for not focusing the government's efforts on reducing the cost of living.
The Syrian government has deemed these price increases as temporary and emphasized that this decision was made to ensure the continuity of imports and prevent fuel shortages in the domestic market. The Syrian Ministry of Energy has stated that the conditions of the global petroleum products market are influenced by various factors, including major repairs of refineries and rising transportation and insurance costs.
Currently, Syria is heavily reliant on imports to meet its needs. The country's oil production is estimated at around 102,000 barrels per day, while domestic demand is about 325,000 barrels per day. This discrepancy means that Syria must depend on imports to meet a large portion of its needs.
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