Fuel price rises trigger protests in Syrian cities
Demonstrations were reported in Hama, Khan Sheikhoun and Maarat al-Numan after the government announced sharp increases in diesel and petrol prices.
Protests have been reported in several Syrian cities after the government increased diesel prices by up to 40 per cent and petrol prices by 28 per cent.
Al Jazeera reported that demonstrators blocked a main highway for several hours and burned tyres. Protests were reported in Hama, Khan Sheikhoun and Maarat al-Numan, while the price rises also prompted debate on social media.
The government said the increases were temporary, attributing them to higher global costs for securing fuel and an overhaul of the Baniyas refinery. The refinery’s planned capacity is expected to increase from 80,000 to 130,000 barrels per day.
Syrian Energy Minister Mohammed al-Bashir said the country was producing about 102,000 barrels of oil a day while requiring about 325,000 barrels for domestic consumption. Imports are being used to cover the gap.
The Ministry of Energy said it would review prices as global market conditions change and work over the longer term to expand refining and storage capacity. Fuel supplies are important to Syria’s economic recovery as it rebuilds after 14 years of war.
