Syrian cities and provinces saw protests over the price schedule for petroleum products issued by the Standing Committee for Setting Prices of Petroleum Products and Mineral Resources. The schedule took effect on Sunday, 13 September 2026, raising the price of a litre of diesel to 175 Syrian pounds from 125 pounds, and 95-octane petrol to 195 Syrian pounds from 152 pounds.
New fuel prices
The schedule set the price of a litre of 90-octane petrol at 185 Syrian pounds, a household gas cylinder at 1,600 pounds and an industrial gas cylinder at 2,560 pounds, while also raising the prices of other petroleum products.
Protests and transport disruption
Protesters took to the streets in areas including Idlib, Aleppo, Raqqa and Hama to reject the increase. They called on the government to review the decision and cut prices, warning of its impact on transport and production costs and living conditions.
Protesters blocked some roads and set fire to tyres, while public-transport drivers went on strike, disrupting the movement of cars and tanker trucks carrying petroleum products, particularly in northern and eastern Syria.
Temporary adjustment and Energy Minister’s hearing
The Energy Ministry said the price adjustment was temporary, attributing it to an exceptional rise in the cost of securing petroleum products from international markets, coinciding with maintenance work at the Baniyas refinery. It said the decision was aimed at ensuring continued supplies and the availability of products on the domestic market.
The People's Assembly office approved a hearing for Energy Minister Mohammed al-Bashir on Thursday, 17 September 2026, at noon, to discuss the reasons for the price increases and the circumstances and considerations surrounding the issuance of the schedule.
