Syria’s Fuel Price Hike Sparks Nationwide Protests

On September 14, the Syrian government raised diesel by up to 40 % to 175 SYP per litre and 95-octane gasoline by 28 % to 195 SYP per litre (90-octane to 185 SYP). Household and industrial gas prices rose about 9 %. Within hours, demonstrators blocked the M5 highway linking Damascus and Aleppo, set tyres ablaze in multiple cities, and transport workers suspended operations. Protesters demanded the dismissal of the energy and economy ministers and the head of the Syrian Petroleum Company.

Protests erupt across Syria over fuel price hike by HTS regime The Straits TimesFuel Shock in Syria: Protests, Price Hikes and the Struggle to Secure Energy Supplies Protests Spread Across Syria After Fuel Price Increases Al Jazeera (website)Syria says fuel price hikes ‘temporary’ as protests spread Fuel Protests Spread in Syria as Authorities Weigh Response

Syria produces roughly 102,000 barrels of crude per day, far short of the estimated 300,000 barrels needed for domestic consumption. The shortfall is covered by imports costing about $25.2 million per day, according to the Energy Ministry.

Fuel Shock in Syria: Protests, Price Hikes and the Struggle to Secure Energy Supplies

The United Nations Development Programme estimates 90 % of Syrians now live below the poverty line. International Brent crude rose 44 % to $104.61 per barrel, increasing import costs. The Ministry of Energy reports diesel demand at 11.9 million litres per day, with domestic production covering only 3.09 million litres, leaving an 8.81 million-litre gap to be imported.

Fuel Shock in Syria: Protests, Price Hikes and the Struggle to Secure Energy Supplies

Energy Minister Mohammed al-Bashir called the adjustments “temporary” and said they will be reviewed as global market conditions evolve. The state-run Syrian Arab News Agency (SANA) said the government will continue to monitor prices and work to expand refining and storage capacity.

Al Jazeera (website)

Protesters said the hikes outpace household incomes. In Aleppo, Yasser Salim told reporters, “We don’t want higher wages. All we want is lower diesel and other fuel prices.” Bassam al-Ali appealed to President Ahmed al-Sharaa, calling the situation “untenable.”

The Straits Times

• Diesel price: 175 SYP / litre (? 40 %).

Protests erupt across Syria over fuel price hike by HTS regime

• 95-octane gasoline: 195 SYP / litre (? 28 %).

Protests erupt across Syria over fuel price hike by HTS regime

• Household gas: ? 1,600 SYP / kg; industrial gas: ? 2,500 SYP / kg.

Protests erupt across Syria over fuel price hike by HTS regime

• Baniyas refinery capacity after overhaul: 130,000 bpd (? 50,000 bpd).

Syria says fuel price hikes ‘temporary’ as protests spread

• Domestic crude production: ? 100,000 bpd; domestic demand for oil products: ? 300,000 bpd.

Fuel Shock in Syria: Protests, Price Hikes and the Struggle to Secure Energy Supplies

• Import reliance: ? 74 % of diesel, 81 % of petrol, 96 % of household gas.

Fuel Shock in Syria: Protests, Price Hikes and the Struggle to Secure Energy Supplies

• Global Brent crude increase: 44 % (from $72.48 to $104.61).

The Straits Times

The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights suggested de-escalation options: reviewing the price decision, implementing a smart-card system for subsidised fuel, providing direct subsidies for public transport, and adjusting fare structures. The Energy Ministry reiterated that the pricing mechanism can move in both directions as international costs change and noted that fuel prices were reduced earlier in 2026 when procurement indicators fell.

Fuel Shock in Syria: Protests, Price Hikes and the Struggle to Secure Energy Supplies

The protests are the most widespread dissent since the ousting of Bashar al-Assad in December 2024, underscoring the link between energy policy, economic hardship, and political stability in a country still rebuilding from years of conflict.

Al Jazeera (website)