Syria’s recovery claims face test of who benefits
Rising prices are squeezing households as the government promotes investment and forecasts economic growth. Critics are calling for greater transparency and policies that address poverty.
Syria’s economic recovery is being tested against the cost of living, with fuel increases and inflation adding pressure on households while the government announces investment projects and forecasts growth.
In mid-September, the government raised fuel prices, including a 40 per cent increase in diesel. Protests followed. Authorities later reversed some changes and announced diesel subsidies for heating, agriculture and industry.
The Syrian Center for Policy Research reported that consumer prices rose almost 25 per cent between July 2025 and July 2026. Prices for essential expenses, including housing, utilities and gas, increased by around 37 per cent.
President Ahmad al-Sharaa forecast the economy would be worth about $50 billion this year, compared with roughly $20 billion in 2024. The figure is a projection; the supplied reporting does not establish how much announced investment has been implemented or who will benefit.
Critics say development plans risk favouring affluent groups. Damascus architect Alaa Sndyan told Deutsche Welle that announced projects had little visible impact and called for more transparency. The outlet also reported concerns about luxury housing proposals in a country facing a housing crisis.
More than two-thirds of Syrians remain in comparative poverty, according to the United Nations, as cited by Deutsche Welle. April polling cited by Syria in Transition found 13 per cent thought the government was doing enough to address energy and food prices, while 66 per cent said its efforts were insufficient.
