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Syria erupts in protests over massive fuel price hikes
Widespread protests have erupted across Syria following the government's decision to significantly increase fuel prices. Demonstrations have spread to multiple provinces, including Aleppo, Raqqa, Deir ez-Zor, Hasakah, and Idlib. Protesters have engaged in burning tires, blocking major highways—specifically the route connecting Damascus to Aleppo—and obstructing oil tanker convoys.
The price hikes include a 40 per cent increase in diesel, a 28 per cent increase in 95-octane petrol, and a 26 per cent increase in 90-octane petrol. Additionally, gas prices for households and industry rose by 9 per cent. These measures come as the country faces a severe economic crisis, with the United Nations Development Programme estimating that 90 per cent of the population lives below the poverty line.
The Syrian Energy Ministry described the price increases as a temporary measure necessitated by rising international procurement costs, transportation expenses, and maintenance work at the Baniyas refinery. Some demonstrators have called for the resignation of the energy and economy ministers, as well as the head of the Syrian Petroleum Company.
Entities
Aleppo · Damascus · Raqqa · Syria · Syrian Energy Ministry · United Nations Development Programme
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.
- [● 3 SOURCES] The Syrian government increased diesel prices by 40 per cent. vreme.mk · pointblanknews.com · vecer.mk
- [● 3 SOURCES] Gas prices for households and industry increased by 9 per cent. vreme.mk · pointblanknews.com · vecer.mk
- [● 3 SOURCES] Approximately 90 per cent of the Syrian population lives below the poverty line. vreme.mk · pointblanknews.com · vecer.mk
- [● 3 SOURCES] The Energy Ministry stated that the fuel price increases are a temporary measure. vreme.mk · pointblanknews.com · vecer.mk
- [● 3 SOURCES] Protesters blocked the main highway connecting Damascus and Aleppo. vreme.mk · pointblanknews.com · vecer.mk
- [● 3 SOURCES] Petrol prices rose by as much as 28 per cent. vreme.mk · pointblanknews.com · vecer.mk