Syrians protest fuel price surges as Middle East war disrupts global oil supplies

Syrians poured into streets Monday across cities like al-Bab, Maarat al-Numan and Hasakeh, burning tires to block roads in protest over sharp fuel price hikes. Diesel jumped from 125 to 175 Syrian pounds per litre—a 40% increase—while petrol rose 26%, marking the first such demonstrations since new Islamist authorities took power in December 2024 after ousting Bashar al-Assad.

The price surge comes as Syria feels the pinch of the Middle East war that began with US-Israeli strikes on Iran in February, damaging Gulf oil infrastructure and choking key waterways. Authorities say the increase is "temporary" due to global market surges, but Syrians are skeptical: with 90% living below poverty line and minimum wage at just 12,560 pounds ($103), many fear they can't afford to keep warm as winter approaches. Taxi driver Fateh Hamsho, 67, captured the mood: "Winter is coming; how are the poor going to live and keep warm?"

Syria's own oil output tells part of the story—it produces only 100,000 barrels daily while domestic demand soars to 300,000-325,000 barrels, forcing heavy reliance on costly imports. Parliament will question Energy Minister Mohammad al-Bashir this Thursday on the hike.

For Nigerians watching their own fuel prices fluctuate with global shocks, this is a stark reminder: when distant conflicts disrupt oil supplies, the pain hits home at the pump. Will Nigeria's leaders heed these warnings as they navigate subsidy reforms, or will ordinary citizens bear the brunt again?

SOURCE: https://www.channelstv.com/2026/09/14/syrians-protest-fuel-price-hikes/