Protests Erupt Across Syria Following Sharp Fuel Price Hikes
· World · Al Jazeera, Euronews
Demonstrators blocked a main highway and burned tyres across several Syrian cities on Sunday after the government increased fuel prices by up to 40 percent. Protests broke out in Hama, Khan Sheikhoun, and Maarat al-Numan following price hikes that raised diesel by 40 percent and petrol by 28 percent. Syrian Energy Minister Mohammed al-Bashir stated that the country produces about 102,000 barrels of oil per day against a domestic consumption need of 325,000 barrels. The government attributed the price increases to rising global fuel costs and an ongoing overhaul of the Baniyas refinery to boost its capacity from 80,000 to 130,000 barrels per day. The Ministry of Energy announced it will continue to review prices in response to global market fluctuations as the nation attempts to rebuild its war-torn economy.
Why it matters
The steep fuel hikes threaten fragile economic stability and strain households across Syria as the country attempts recovery after 14 years of conflict.
Read the original report — Al Jazeera
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