| HEADLINE |
|
Syria sees biggest protests since Assad’s fall
Published : Tuesday, 15 September, 2026 at 6:34 PM
Observer online report
Protests have spread across several Syrian cities over fuel price hikes, with demonstrators blocking major highways and demanding a quick resolution to the crisis.
The protests on Monday were described as the largest in Syria since the fall of Bashar al-Assad two years ago.
The Syrian government raised diesel prices by 40 per cent and petrol prices by up to 28 per cent on Sunday. It said the temporary increase was necessary because the cost of procuring fuel globally had suddenly risen.
The government also cited renovation work at the key Baniyas refinery as a factor behind the price increase. Once renovated, the refinery’s production capacity is expected to rise from 80,000 barrels to 130,000 barrels a day.
Protests were reported in Hama, Khan Sheikhoun and Maarrat al-Numan. Thousands of people took to the streets and burned tyres, while the price hikes also triggered strong reactions on social media.
“The main reason for this protest is the increase in diesel and fuel prices in general. People want the price of diesel reduced. We do not want higher wages; we want cheaper fuel,” one protester said.
The fuel price hike has added to the pressure on Syrians already facing a prolonged economic crisis. According to the United Nations Development Programme, 90 per cent of Syrians currently live below the poverty line.
Another protester said the higher diesel prices would push up the cost of vegetables and other food items.
“Life cannot be sustained like this. A quick solution to this price increase must be found,” the protester said.
Syrian Energy Minister Mohammed al-Bashir said on Saturday that the country was currently producing 102,000 barrels of oil a day against demand of around 325,000 barrels. The shortfall has forced Syria to rely on imports, he said.
sks
Loading...
Loading...
Also read
Editor : Iqbal Sobhan Chowdhury
Published by the Editor on behalf of the Observer Ltd. from Globe Printers, 24/A, New Eskaton Road, Ramna, Dhaka.
Editorial, News and Commercial Offices : Aziz Bhaban (2nd floor), 93, Motijheel C/A, Dhaka-1000.
Phone: PABX- 41053001-06; Advertisement: 41053012; 01793317829, 01550707291, E-mail: [email protected], [email protected] Online: email: [email protected] 41053014; 01550707297 Advertisement: 01550707296
Published by the Editor on behalf of the Observer Ltd. from Globe Printers, 24/A, New Eskaton Road, Ramna, Dhaka.
Editorial, News and Commercial Offices : Aziz Bhaban (2nd floor), 93, Motijheel C/A, Dhaka-1000.
Phone: PABX- 41053001-06; Advertisement: 41053012; 01793317829, 01550707291, E-mail: [email protected], [email protected] Online: email: [email protected] 41053014; 01550707297 Advertisement: 01550707296
