Protests have erupted across several Syrian cities following a government decision to significantly increase fuel prices. Demonstrators have been reported blocking a major highway for several hours and burning tires as they express anger over the new costs.
The government announced on Sunday that prices would rise by as much as 40 percent for diesel and 28 percent for petrol. Officials described the increases as temporary, attributing them to a sharp rise in global costs for securing fuel supplies. Additionally, the Ministry of Energy cited a major overhaul at the Baniyas refinery, which is expected to increase capacity from 80,000 to 130,000 barrels per day.
Reports of the unrest indicate demonstrations in Hama, Khan Sheikhoun, and Maarat al-Numan. Footage published by Al Jazeera showed crowds gathering on streets and burning tires. Videos also captured a protester burning tires on the highway connecting Aleppo to Turkey on September 13, 2026.
The price hikes have sparked fierce debate on social media platforms. According to Syrian Energy Minister Mohammed al-Bashir, the country currently produces approximately 102,000 barrels of oil daily but requires about 325,000 barrels per day to meet domestic consumption, necessitating heavy reliance on imports.
In a statement reported by the state-run Syrian Arab News Agency (SANA), the Ministry of Energy said it would continue to review pricing as global market conditions shift. The ministry also committed to long-term efforts to expand refining and storage capacity. Stable fuel supplies are considered critical to Syria’s economic recovery and rebuilding efforts after 14 years of war.
I produced videos of the protests myself. The anger is real and palpable. The government thinks we forgot how hard life has become since the war.
Blocking highways is dangerous and hurts everyone’s livelihood. Is there no peaceful way to protest that doesn’t choke off essential supplies?
The refinery overhaul is promising, but why are ordinary Syrians paying the price for missing production capacity? Basic fairness matters here.
How is a 40% hike ‘temporary’? Once people get used to higher costs, the government will never reverse it. This is a trap.
Forty percent is brutal for families already struggling to survive. Calling it temporary feels like a joke when prices never go back down.