Syria: Protests continue for the second day in protest of rising fuel prices

Protesters took to the streets on Monday for the second consecutive day in several Syrian governorates, demonstrating against rising fuel prices and blocking major roads.

Several areas, including Deir ez-Zor, Al-Hasakah, Raqqa, Aleppo, and Idlib, witnessed numerous demonstrations.

Protesters blocked several highways using burning tires and stones, prompting security forces to clear the roads, including the Damascus-Halep international highway.

The Ministry of Energy announced on Sunday the increase of fuel prices, including a 40% rise in diesel and a 28% increase in gasoline, according to the Syrian official news agency, SANA.

The ministry stated that “the increase reflects a combination of international market pressures and constraints on local supplies,” noting that these constraints stem from maintenance work at the Baniyas refinery.

Energy Minister Mohammed Al-Bashir told journalists that Syria currently produces about 100,000 barrels per day, while daily demand stands at around 300,000 barrels.

Meanwhile, three sources confirmed to Syrian TV on Monday that the Syrian People’s Assembly had summoned Al-Bashir to a hearing next Thursday to discuss the decision to raise prices of petroleum derivatives, following protests in several Syrian regions after the implementation of the new prices.

According to Syrian TV, the sources said the Assembly’s office contacted Al-Bashir, at the request of the Energy Committee, and set the hearing for 12:00 p.m. local time.

The sources clarified that the committee requested the minister’s presence to discuss the reasons behind the fuel price hikes and the decision’s impact on citizens, particularly amid concerns over rising transportation fares and prices of goods and services.

This measure is expected to affect more than 100 commodities, in addition to transportation costs.