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Syria Protests Erupt as Fuel Prices Rise Up to 40 Percent — AI-generated representative image: Demonstrators block a highway and burn tyres in Syria amid protests over rising fuel prices.

Editorial Team

Demonstrators block a major highway as diesel and petrol costs surge amid global supply pressures and Baniyas refinery maintenance

Protests broke out across several Syrian cities on Sunday after the government raised fuel prices, with demonstrators blocking a main highway for several hours and burning tyres in the streets.

The increases raised diesel prices by up to 40 percent and petrol by 28 percent. Authorities described the hikes as temporary, attributing them to a sharp rise in the global cost of securing fuel and an overhaul of the critical Baniyas refinery.

The unrest underscores the fragility of Syria's economy as it attempts to recover from 14 years of war. Fuel supplies remain central to reconstruction efforts, and any sustained price increase directly affects households, transport, agriculture and industry across the country.

With domestic production far below consumption needs, Syria depends heavily on imports, leaving it vulnerable to global market fluctuations that now translate into immediate public hardship.

What Sparked the Protests

The government raised diesel prices by up to 40 percent and petrol prices by 28 percent on Sunday.
Protests were reported in Hama, Khan Sheikhoun and Maarat al-Numan, where crowds gathered and burned tyres.
Demonstrators blocked a main highway for several hours.
The price increases prompted fierce debate on social media.

Officials said the increases are temporary and linked to a sharp rise in the global cost of securing fuel, as well as an overhaul of the Baniyas refinery that is expected to raise its capacity from 80,000 to 130,000 barrels per day.

Background and Economic Pressures

Syria is currently producing about 102,000 barrels of oil per day, far below the roughly 325,000 barrels per day needed for domestic consumption, according to Energy Minister Mohammed al-Bashir. The country relies on imports to bridge the gap, making it highly sensitive to international fuel market conditions.

The Baniyas refinery, a critical piece of national infrastructure, is undergoing an overhaul intended to expand refining capacity. Officials said the work will raise the facility's output from 80,000 to 130,000 barrels per day, a long-term measure aimed at reducing import dependence.

Syria's fuel supplies are viewed as essential to the country's economic recovery as it seeks to rebuild after 14 years of war.

Official Statements and Data

Energy Minister Mohammed al-Bashir said on Saturday that the country produces about 102,000 barrels of oil per day against a need of about 325,000 barrels per day for domestic consumption.

The Ministry of Energy said it would continue to review prices as global market conditions change and would work over the long term to expand refining and storage capacity, according to the state-run Syrian Arab News Agency (SANA).

Footage published by Al Jazeera showed crowds gathering on streets and burning tyres, while the price increases generated widespread discussion on social media platforms.

What Comes Next

The Ministry of Energy has indicated it will keep monitoring global market conditions and adjust prices accordingly. Over the longer term, authorities plan to expand refining and storage capacity to reduce the country's exposure to import-driven price swings.

It remains unclear how long the temporary increases will remain in effect, and additional information on the duration of the price measures has not yet been officially confirmed.