Fuel price hikes spark Syria’s biggest post-Assad protests

Syria has witnessed its largest wave of public protests since the collapse of Bashar al-Assad’s regime on 8 December 2024 after authorities sharply increased fuel prices, intensifying economic pressures on a population already enduring years of hardship. Demonstrations spread across several governorates after the government announced temporary increases of up to 40% in the prices of diesel and gasoline, prompting road blockades, burning tires, and calls for senior officials to resign.

The unrest highlights the difficult balance facing Syria’s new leadership as it attempts to stabilize the country’s economy while confronting severe energy shortages, damaged infrastructure, and continued dependence on imported fuel.

Protests spread across the country

The demonstrations began shortly after the new fuel prices took effect and quickly expanded across northern, eastern, central, and southern Syria. Protests were reported in Aleppo, Idlib, Hama, Raqqa, Deir ez-Zor, Hasakah, Daraa, and several surrounding towns and villages.

Protesters blocked major highways, including sections of the M5 motorway linking Damascus with Aleppo, while others closed the M4 highway in northeastern Syria. In several areas, demonstrators prevented crude oil tankers from reaching refineries or crossing strategic routes, temporarily disrupting transportation and commercial activity. Some protesters also blocked the Bab al-Salama border crossing with Türkiye to commercial traffic.

Public anger extended beyond the price increases themselves. Demonstrators called for the dismissal of Energy Minister Mohammad al-Bachir, while others demanded broader government action to address deteriorating living conditions. Many argued that despite the political changes following the fall of the Assad government, economic conditions have failed to improve as many had hoped.

Sharp fuel price increases

Under the new temporary pricing schedule, diesel recorded the largest increase, rising by 40% from 125 Syrian pounds per litre to 175 pounds. Prices for 90-octane gasoline increased by approximately 26% to 28% to 185 pounds per litre, while 95-octane gasoline rose by around 28% to 195 pounds per litre. Household and industrial gas prices also increased by roughly 9%.

The latest adjustments represent the most significant fuel price increases since regional tensions and disruptions to global energy markets intensified during the conflict involving the United States (U.S.) and Iran. Since February 2026, diesel prices have more than doubled, while the price of premium gasoline has risen by approximately 86%.

For many Syrians, however, the concern extends well beyond transportation costs. Fuel is a key input across nearly every sector of the economy, including agriculture, manufacturing, electricity generation, freight transport, and food distribution. As a result, higher fuel costs are widely expected to translate into rising prices for essential goods and services.

Government cites supply pressures

Syrian officials have defended the decision by pointing to exceptional pressures affecting the country’s energy sector.

According to the Energy Ministry, Syria currently requires roughly 300,000 to 350,000 barrels of crude oil and petroleum products each day while domestic production remains close to 100,000 barrels daily. This leaves the country dependent on imports for a substantial share of its fuel consumption, particularly diesel.

Officials also noted that Syria’s largest refinery at Baniyas is undergoing its first comprehensive maintenance and rehabilitation project in decades. During the shutdown, domestic refining capacity has declined, forcing authorities to import larger quantities of refined petroleum products at considerably higher international prices.

The government further attributed the temporary increase to disruptions affecting global energy markets, including higher shipping, insurance, transport, and procurement costs resulting from instability along major maritime routes such as the Strait of Hormuz, Bab al-Mandab, the Red Sea, and the Gulf of Aden.

Energy Ministry officials stressed that the pricing decision remains temporary and may be revised if international market conditions improve.

Russian supplies and regional developments

Syria’s fuel challenges have also been complicated by developments affecting its principal external supplier.

Throughout 2026, Syria has relied heavily on Russian crude oil imports to compensate for domestic production shortfalls. However, Russian fuel exports have come under pressure following Ukrainian attacks on Russian refining facilities, which have reduced refining capacity and prompted Moscow to impose restrictions on gasoline and diesel exports.

At the same time, Damascus has indicated its willingness to gradually reduce its dependence on Russian oil imports as it seeks to diversify energy supplies and strengthen relations with Western countries and regional partners. That transition, however, remains difficult while domestic production and refining capacity remain insufficient to meet national demand.

Economic hardship fuels public frustration

The protests have unfolded against a backdrop of prolonged economic hardship affecting nearly every Syrian household.

According to United Nations (UN) estimates, approximately 90% of Syrians now live below the poverty line, compared with roughly one-third before the outbreak of the civil war in 2011. Although the government has approved several salary increases over the past two years, wages continue to lag far behind the rising cost of living.

Many Syrians fear that higher fuel prices will rapidly increase transportation fares, agricultural production costs, food prices, and electricity expenses generated by private diesel-powered generators. Economists have warned that the increases could produce a new round of cost-driven inflation throughout the supply chain, placing additional pressure on households whose purchasing power has already been significantly weakened after years of conflict, displacement, and economic decline.