Fuel price rise protests rock Syriaidespread protests are continuing across Syria, with the public demanding that the Syrian transitional government (STG) reverse the recent fuel price increase and address the cost-of-living crisis as poverty and inequality worsen nationwide.
Demonstrations began in the east of the country on September 9 before quickly spreading to other regions. As escalations continued this week, groups of protesters blocked roads with burning tires, bus drivers went on strike in several cities, bringing transportation to a halt along key routes, and demonstrators blocked border crossings with Iraq and Turkey.
Why are protests occurring?
A new price list announced by the STG’s Committee for Petroleum Pricing came into effect on September 13. Fuel prices were raised sharply, pushing costs outside affordable levels for most Syrians. This also impacted the cost of key goods and services, including public transportation and the agricultural sector.
The protest action follows months of rising public dissatisfaction related to the high cost of bread, transport, and electricity. In Hasakah governorate, local reports show dozens of bakeries pausing operations and market activities halting in several towns in protest at the latest price rise.
Diesel costs are up almost 40% while gasoline prices have risen by almost 30%. Diesel is used for the transport sector, as well as for bakeries and electricity generators. The national power grid requires major rehabilitation after the war years, with many areas relying solely on diesel-powered generators. The farming sector also stands to be hard hit, with agricultural production costs rising.
Product14.09.2026 price04.09.2026 priceDifference
95-octane gasoline195 SYP/L ($1.46)152 SYP/L ($1.14)+28%
90-octane gasoline185 SYP/L ($1.39)147 SYP/L ($1.07)+29%
Diesel175 SYP/L ($1.31)125 SYP/L ($0.94)+39%
Domestic gas cylinder1,600 SYP ($12.01)1,470 SYP ($11.03)+9%
Industrial gas cylinder2,560 SYP ($19.29)2,350 SYP ($17.64)+9%
In response to the new price list, some of the largest protests sparked in Idlib, while roadblocks spread rapidly across Deir ez-Zor, where many of the country’s major oil fields are located. One person was filmed trying to set themselves on fire in protest. In some towns, clashes occurred between protestors and the state security forces deployed to monitor the demonstrations.
Reports indicated that protesters blocked several major roads across Syria, disrupting the movement of oil tanker trucks, including by preventing tankers from reaching oil fields in Deir ez-Zor.
How has the government responded?
STG has described the price increase as a temporary measure, citing increased import costs related to global fuel prices and limited domestic refining capacity. According to the Syrian Ministry of Energy, almost all household gas consumption and three quarters of domestic diesel demand is satisfied through imports, linking price increases to international market prices and global trends.
The country’s domestic fuel needs are estimated at 300,000 barrels of oil per day, while official figures cite current output at 100,000 barrels per day, most of which is heavy crude requiring refinement. As domestic refining capacity is limited, Syria’s Baniyas refinery is currently being rehabilitated to increase its capacity.
Parliamentary hearing expected
The Syrian Energy Ministry has made no official public comment. However, the fuel price hike has triggered parliament to approve a hearing for Energy Minister Mohammed al-Bashir, scheduled for September 13, who will be expected to justify the price rise and the circumstances surrounding it. Explanations related to global oil markets are unlikely to land well for the millions of Syrians who cannot meet their daily living needs.
Damascus’ economic policy has seen state subsidies for key public services slashed – both those in place under Assad, and those managed by the Autonomous Administration in the northeast. The rapid liberalization of prices has intensified poverty for millions of households.
Compounding this is a currency crisis in some areas. The new Syrian currency has been officially rolled out, yet many civilians in the northeast have been unable to exchange their money. At one protest along the M4 highway, locals told reporters that bread can only be purchased with the new currency.
Fuel price rises exacerbate wider economic woes
Nationwide, the current demonstrations reflect not only anger at the new fuel prices, but also wider resentment related to expectations and state rhetoric surrounding economic recovery in the post-Assad era and the on-the-ground reality of intensifying poverty and inequality. The STG “continues with its ostentatious displays of spending which, while a drop in an ocean of needs, are riling up people seeing fancy official car fleets and luxury projects,” commented Syrian analyst Rime Allaf on X.
Since the fall of Bashar al-Assad, numerous statesmen, international energy companies, and experts have positioned Syria as a crucial node in future energy routes. The lifting of international sanctions have facilitated new investment. When Iraqi oil began moving through Syria to reach the Mediterranean coast for shipping to European markets earlier this year, STG officials hailed the success of the country’s re-opening. At the same time, Syria’s new opening to global markets and investors has also attracted strings of deals with major foreign businesses and state trade departments.
Luxury developments planned around Damascus, the initiation of credit card services, and upped tourism numbers have taken media headlines – yet these developments are mirrored by declining standards of living in the ground. Rhetoric around business success is empty for civilians across the country who cannot meet their basic needs. Oil tankers move across the country for export, while households fear they will not be able to afford to even heat their homes as winter approaches.
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