Syrians have taken to the streets to protest the government’s decision to raise fuel prices, a move that has added to the punishing cost of living in the country as it struggles to recover from a civil war that ended two years ago.
Over the past two days, Syrians in cities across the country have gathered in squares, blocked roads and set tires on fire, and called for the price increases to be canceled.
The protests began hours after the government announced on Sunday that it would temporarily raise prices for gasoline, diesel and other petroleum products as much as 40 percent. The energy ministry said the measures were necessary because of global shortages largely related to the U.S.-Israeli war with Iran and to a major overhaul at a refinery in Syria, which will reduce domestic refining capacity and increase the country’s reliance on imports.
The increases ranged from 9 percent for cooking gas to 25 percent for gasoline to 40 percent for diesel, the ministry said.
The explanations have done little to quell the anger.
In one video posted online, a man poured what he said was gasoline over his head and threatened to set himself on fire before a crowd intervened.
“We stood with you, please stand with us,” another man said in a different video posted from a protest, addressing President Ahmed al-Sharaa. “Some people are living off sugar and water.”
Syrians have dealt in recent months with soaring inflation on food and fuel. The price surges have stoked discontent with an interim government formed by the rebels who ousted President Bashar al-Assad in December 2024.
After the overthrowing of Mr. al-Assad ended a nearly 14-year civil war, Syrians hoped that a new government and the country’s reintegration into global markets would quickly improve the economy.
Those hopes have been repeatedly disappointed, with the situation becoming worse for many.
The Syrian government did away with subsidies on fuel and bread and has reopened its economy to international imports, which has contributed to rising prices.
Lingering U.S. sanctions have not helped, with the final restrictions lifted only last month.
Businesses and investors have also been wary of returning to the country. Major obstacles include uncertainty over the interim government’s fiscal policies and concerns about security.
Syria’s newly seated Parliament will hold a hearing Thursday with the energy minister, who is expected to discuss the higher prices.
Muhammad Haj Kadour and Reham Mourshed contributed reporting.
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