Full Breakdown
Syria’s Fuel-Price Hike Sparks Nationwide Protests
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Core Event
On Sunday the Syrian government announced a temporary increase in fuel prices that took effect at midnight. Diesel rose 40 % to 175 Syrian pounds (SYP) per litre, while gasoline prices rose between 25 % and 28 % (95-octane from 152 SYP to 195 SYP; 90-octane from 147 SYP to 185 SYP). Cooking-gas cylinders increased from 1 470 SYP to 1 600 SYP. The Energy Ministry framed the measures as a response to higher global procurement costs and a major overhaul at the Baniyas refinery that reduced domestic refining capacity.
Background & Context
The price hike follows the December 2024 ouster of President Bashar al-Assad and the installation of an interim government led by President Ahmed al-Sharaa. The new administration has lifted most U.S. sanctions, removed Syria from the state-sponsors-of-terrorism list in August 2025, and sought foreign investment. Yet the economy remains fragile: the United Nations World Food Programme estimates a 90 % poverty rate, and the UN Development Programme notes that 90 % of Syrians now live below the poverty line. Syria produces roughly 102 000 barrels of oil per day but needs about 325 000 barrels daily, making it heavily dependent on imported petroleum products.
Official Statements & Responses
The Energy Ministry said the increase is temporary, linked to global market rates and the Baniyas refinery shutdown, and that prices will be reviewed as conditions evolve. President Ahmed al-Sharaa’s interim government has scheduled a parliamentary hearing with al-Bashir on Thursday at noon local time to address the public outcry.
On-the-Ground Reports
Protesters gathered in dozens of cities—including Aleppo, Idlib, Hama, Khan Sheikhoun, Maarat al-Numan, Hasakah, Deir ez-Zor, Raqqa, and Daraa—blocking the Damascus-Aleppo highway, the M5 motorway, and oil-tanker routes. Videos show tyres set ablaze, crowds chanting for the dismissal of al-Bashir, and a man pouring gasoline over his head before bystanders intervened. In Hasakah, a young man attempted self-immolation; in al-Shahil, residents halted traffic to the al-Omar oilfield. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reported that minibus drivers in Rif Dimashq staged a strike over the price hike.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Sources differ on the exact percentage increase for gasoline: some report 25 %, others cite 28 % or “up to 29 %.” Likewise, the price of 95-octane gasoline is listed as 195 SYP/L in several outlets, while one source describes a 28 % increase without specifying the new price. No source provides a definitive timeline for when the Baniyas refinery will resume full operation beyond a “two-month” estimate.
What’s Next
The People’s Assembly will hear Energy Minister al-Bashir on Thursday, after which the ministry said it will continue to review fuel prices in line with global market shifts and the expected return of the Baniyas refinery to full capacity. Analysts note that sustained public pressure could prompt the government to consider protected diesel pricing for public transport and farmers, as suggested by Hawach.