Syria reports record revenue and spending growth in H1 2026

The Syrian Ministry of Finance released its financial performance report for the first half of 2026, revealing record increases in both revenues and expenditures. According to Finance Minister Mohammad Yasser Barnieh, total public revenues reached approximately $2.7 billion, while public spending rose to approximately $3.7 billion, resulting in a fiscal deficit of about $1 billion.

Compared to the first half of 2025, public revenues increased by 111%, while spending surged by 331%. The Ministry attributed the spike in spending primarily to increased salaries and wages, expanded government priority spending, and the rising cost of goods, services, and inputs due to regional developments and higher import prices.

Oil and gas revenues began being transferred to the Ministry of Finance in May. The Ministry expects increased oil revenues, improved tax and customs collection, and exceptional revenues to bolster the treasury in the second half of the year. Officials anticipate spending will continue to rise as the impact of wage increases is fully realized and investment projects, particularly those supporting affected areas, accelerate.