-
Public Anger and Road Blockades in Al-Azbah, Eastern Deir ez-Zor Countryside, Over Fuel Price Hikes
The Al-Azbah area in the eastern countryside of Deir ez-Zor witnessed widespread public anger, accompanied by the blocking of several roads, in protest against the latest increase in fuel prices and the significant difference compared with the previous pricing.
The protests followed an announcement by the Permanent Committee for Determining the Prices of Petroleum Products and Mineral Resources in Syria to raise fuel prices, effective Sunday. The Ministry of Energy justified the decision by citing higher global costs for securing petroleum products, stressing that the adjustments were intended to ensure continued supplies and their availability in local markets.
According to the new price list, the price of one liter of 95-octane gasoline reached 195 Syrian pounds, while 90-octane gasoline was priced at 185 pounds. The price of one liter of diesel reached 175 pounds. The price of a domestic gas cylinder rose to 1,600 pounds, industrial gas to 2,560 pounds, and a ton of fuel oil to 52,800 pounds.
Before the adjustment, one liter of 95-octane gasoline was priced at 145 pounds, meaning that the increase amounted to approximately 50 pounds. The decision has sparked widespread discontent among residents amid difficult economic conditions and declining purchasing power.
According to the official Syrian Arab News Agency, the Ministry of Energy said the price increase was prompted by an exceptional rise in the cost of securing gasoline, diesel, and fuel oil from international markets. It added that the decision was temporary and aimed at ensuring the continued flow of petroleum products into the domestic market.
The ministry explained that the Baniyas Refinery had entered a comprehensive maintenance phase expected to last around two months, temporarily increasing the country’s need to import refined petroleum products. It added that the cost of these products was affected not only by crude oil prices, but also by declining supply, disruptions to refining capacity, and higher transportation, shipping, and insurance costs.
The ministry indicated that the price of a ton of diesel was approaching $1,400, while gasoline was priced at around $1,350 per ton. Meanwhile, Brent crude was trading at approximately $100 per barrel.
These developments come as refined-product markets face mounting pressure due to disruptions to supply and shipping routes in several areas, damage to some refining facilities, shortages in supply and inventories, and rising shipping and insurance costs.
According to the Ministry of Energy, Syria currently requires approximately 300,000 barrels per day of oil and petroleum products, while domestic crude oil production is estimated at around 100,000 barrels per day. As a result, part of the country’s needs must be covered through imports.
