Large-scale protests erupt in Syria after fuel price hike — Deutsche Welle
In Syria, a fuel price increase in mid-September triggered some of the largest protests since the overthrow of Bashar al-Assad’s regime at the end of 2024. The authorities raised the price of all types of fuel, with diesel becoming 40% more expensive. The Energy Ministry explained the decision by rising global prices and local shortages, as the country depends on energy imports.
As Deutsche Welle English reports, fares for public minibuses in Damascus almost immediately increased by up to 70%, while taxi rides became 60% more expensive. Driver Kanan Abdullah said that after fuel costs, his earnings barely cover a new tank, leaving almost no money for food or car repairs.
Protests and partial concessions
Protesters burned tires, blocked roads and demanded the dismissal of officials they considered responsible for the price increase. Demonstrations later subsided after the government partially revised the changes and announced plans to subsidize diesel for heating, agriculture and industry.
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The rise in fuel prices intensified inflationary pressure. According to the Syrian Center for Policy Research, prices increased by nearly 25% between July 2025 and July 2026. Basic expenses, including housing, water, electricity and gas, rose the most — by approximately 37%.
Most people do not feel economic growth
Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa said at the Arab Media Summit in Dubai that the country’s economy could reach about $50 billion this year, compared with an estimated roughly $20 billion in 2024. At the same time, according to the UN, more than two-thirds of Syrians live in relative poverty.
The Syrian publication Al Jumhuriya noted that the announced multibillion-dollar real estate projects mostly envisage gated residential complexes and luxury apartments, despite an acute housing crisis. A Syria in Transition survey showed that by April, only 13% of respondents considered the government’s actions sufficient to address the rapid rise in energy and food prices, while 66% described them as insufficient.
