Protests Erupt in Syria Over Fuel Price Hikes
TDT | Manama
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Protests broke out in parts of Syria on Sunday following the government's decision to increase fuel prices, with demonstrators blocking roads and calling for the measures to be reversed amid rising living costs.
In the Aleppo countryside, protesters gathered in Azaz and Al-Bab, chanting against the price increases and closing roads. Demonstrators also blocked the M5 international highway near Maarat al-Nu'man in southern Idlib, with footage showing burning tyres on the road.
The protests came a day after Energy Minister Mohammed al-Bashir said the price increase was necessary to narrow a temporary gap between the cost of importing petroleum products and domestic selling prices.
Al-Bashir said Syria currently produces about 102,000 barrels of oil per day, compared with domestic demand of around 325,000 barrels, forcing the country to rely heavily on imports.
The Energy Ministry said it would continue reviewing fuel prices in line with global market changes while working to expand refining and storage capacity.
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