Archive · 14 Sep 2026
Syria Protests Erupt After Government Raises Fuel Prices Amid Tensions
Syria’s government made fuel more expensive.
Diesel prices rose by as much as 40%, while petrol prices rose by 28%.
People in several Syrian cities protested the changes.
Some protesters burned tyres, and others blocked a major road.
The government said global fuel costs had sharply increased.
It also said repairs to the Baniyas refinery were contributing to the higher prices.
Syria does not produce enough oil for its own needs and must import fuel.
Officials said they would keep reviewing prices as global conditions change.
The interim Syrian government raised diesel prices by up to 40% and petrol prices by 28% on Sunday.
Protests were reported in Hama, Khan Sheikhoun, and Maarat al-Numan, with crowds burning tyres and blocking a main highway.
The government attributed the increases to higher global fuel costs and an overhaul of the Baniyas refinery.
The refinery overhaul is intended to increase capacity from 80,000 to 130,000 barrels per day.
Syria produces about 102,000 barrels of oil daily but needs roughly 325,000 barrels, requiring fuel imports.
- Who
- The interim Syrian government, Syrian protesters, and Syria’s Energy Ministry are involved.
- What
- Fuel prices increased, prompting protests across several Syrian cities.
- When
- The price increases were announced on Sunday; protests followed soon afterward.
- Where
- Protests were reported in Hama, Khan Sheikhoun, and Maarat al-Numan, Syria.
- Why
- The government cited higher global fuel costs and the overhaul of the Baniyas refinery, while Syria faces a domestic oil shortfall.
Government Explanation
Protesters’ Opposition
Reason for higher prices
Government Explanation
The interim Syrian government said the increases were temporary and caused by sharply higher global fuel costs, while also citing the Baniyas refinery overhaul.
Protesters’ Opposition
Protesters opposed the price increases, taking to the streets, burning tyres, and blocking a main highway.
Economic priorities
Government Explanation
Officials said fuel supplies are important to Syria’s economic recovery and that prices may be reviewed as global conditions change.
Protesters’ Opposition
The protests and social-media debate reflected public opposition to the immediate financial impact of more expensive fuel.
- Diesel increase
- Up to 40%
- Petrol increase
- 28%
- Current oil production
- About 102,000 barrels per day
- Domestic oil requirement
- About 325,000 barrels per day
- Baniyas refinery capacity
- Expected to rise from 80,000 to 130,000 barrels per day
- Protest locations
- Hama, Khan Sheikhoun, and Maarat al-Numan
- Government response
- Prices will continue to be reviewed as global market conditions change