"Fuel Protests" Widen in Syria

Protests against the decision to raise fuel prices in Syria expanded for the second consecutive day. In the town of Al-Shihil in the countryside of Deir ez-Zor (east), demonstrations resumed, with protesters setting tires ablaze. Demonstrators also blocked the international road between Iraq and Syria in the countryside of Al-Bu Kamal, east of the province, as well as the Al-Omar oil field road.

Residents in the town of Tell Tamer blocked the international M4 highway, halting the movement of hundreds of oil tanker trucks. At the Bab al-Salama border crossing with Turkey in Aleppo governorate, protesters closed the crossing to freight trucks and completely prevented vehicles from exiting.

Protests also resumed in the city of Raqqa, where civilians blocked the road in front of the grain silos headquarters. Residents gathered in areas within Al-Hasakah governorate (north), including Ashadadi and Tell Brak, setting tires ablaze and blocking roads, amid demands for a reversal of the decision issued by the Minister of Energy, who has been summoned by the People’s Council for a hearing next Thursday.

Observers believe the protests stem from the lack of improvement in the living conditions of Syrians and the hopes they had placed in the new authorities following the fall of the Assad regime, particularly since the majority of protesters belong to the social base supporting President Ahmad al-Sharaa’s government.