Protests break out across Syria over fuel price increases
Widespread protests have erupted in several Syrian cities after the government raised fuel prices, with demonstrators burning tyres and blocking a major highway. Authorities said the increases were temporary and linked to higher global costs and an upgrade of the Baniyas refinery.
Why It Matters
Fuel availability and pricing are central to Syria’s recovery efforts after 14 years of conflict, and the country currently produces far less oil than it needs, forcing reliance on imports; sudden price rises risk deepening public discontent and complicating reconstruction plans.
Key Facts
- Price increases: Up to 40% on diesel and 28% on petrol
- Government explanation: Said increases were temporary due to a sharp rise in global fuel procurement costs and an overhaul at the Baniyas refinery
- Baniyas refinery capacity change: Planned increase from 80,000 to 130,000 barrels per day
- Reported protests locations: Hama, Khan Sheikhoun, Maarat al-Numan; highway between Aleppo and Türkiye (photo dated Sept 13, 2026)
- Domestic production vs need: Producing about 102,000 barrels per day while domestic consumption requires about 325,000 bpd (said by Energy Minister Mohammed al-Bashir)
Protests spread across multiple Syrian cities after the government announced a jump in fuel prices. Demonstrators burned tyres and blocked roads, at times halting traffic on a major highway for several hours, and footage circulated by broadcasters showed crowds gathering in the streets. Coverage of the unrest included images of people setting tyres alight on the road between Aleppo and Türkiye.
The government raised fuel costs by as much as 40 percent for diesel and 28 percent for petrol, saying the measures were temporary. Officials attributed the changes to a sharp rise in the global cost of securing fuel and pointed to work at the Baniyas refinery as a factor behind the adjustments.
State and ministerial figures provided context for the supply shortfall. Energy Minister Mohammed al-Bashir said Syria currently produces about 102,000 barrels of oil per day but needs roughly 325,000 barrels per day for domestic use, leaving the country dependent on imports to meet demand. The government has announced plans to boost refining and storage capacity over time, including upgrading Baniyas to raise capacity from 80,000 to 130,000 barrels per day.
The Ministry of Energy told state media it will continue to review prices as global market conditions evolve and work on long-term expansion of refining and storage capacity. Fuel supplies are regarded as critical to Syria’s economic recovery as the country seeks to rebuild after 14 years of war, and the price increase has also sparked vigorous debate on social media.
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Original source: Al Jazeera