Syrian Government Raises Fuel Prices by Up to 40%, Sparking Nationwide Protests

BEIRUT — The Syrian government announced a sharp increase in fuel prices on Saturday, raising costs by up to 40 percent across the country, a move that immediately triggered widespread protests in major cities and rural areas. Demonstrators took to the streets in Raqqa, Hasakah, Deir Ezzor, and the countryside surrounding Aleppo, expressing anger over the sudden hike in energy costs amid an already strained economic landscape.

The government cited rising global import costs and a temporary shutdown of the Baniyas refinery for scheduled maintenance as the primary drivers for the price adjustment. Officials stated that the decision was necessary to align domestic prices with international market rates and to reduce the fiscal burden of state subsidies. The Baniyas facility, one of Syria's few remaining operational refineries, has been closed since earlier this week, forcing the state to rely more heavily on expensive imported fuel to meet domestic demand.

Protesters in the northern governorates gathered at roundabouts and public squares, chanting slogans against the economic policies of President Bashar al-Assad. In Raqqa, crowds blocked main highways, while in Hasakah, demonstrations focused on the impact of higher transport costs on local agriculture and food prices. Security forces were deployed in several locations to manage the gatherings, though no major clashes have been reported as of Saturday afternoon.

The price hike affects gasoline, diesel, and kerosene, with the most significant increases applied to diesel, a critical fuel for transportation and heating. Local merchants in Aleppo's outskirts reported that the cost increase would immediately ripple through supply chains, likely driving up prices for essential goods. "This is unbearable," said one shopkeeper who declined to give his name. "We are already struggling to keep our businesses open; now we cannot afford to transport our goods."

The Syrian state media outlet SANA reported that the government remains committed to supporting vulnerable families through targeted social aid programs, though details on the scope of these measures remain unclear. The announcement comes as Syria continues to grapple with the aftermath of years of conflict, a collapsing currency, and severe shortages of basic necessities.

As night fell, some protests had dispersed while others continued in smaller groups. It remains uncertain whether the demonstrations will escalate or if the government will consider revising the price adjustments. The situation is expected to remain fluid as residents assess the long-term impact of the new fuel rates on their daily lives.