Protests Erupt in Syria Over Fuel Price Increases
Demonstrators burn tyres and block highways as protests grip Syrian cities.
Published On: 14 Sep 2026
Protests have erupted across several cities in Syria following a government decision to increase fuel prices significantly. Demonstrators blocked a main highway for several hours in response to the fuel price hike, which saw diesel prices rise by up to 40% and petrol prices by 28%.
The Syrian government attributed these temporary price increases to a sharp rise in global fuel costs and an overhaul of the critical Baniyas refinery, aiming to boost its capacity from 80,000 to 130,000 barrels per day.
Key Cities Affected
Protests were reported in Hama, Khan Sheikhoun, and Maarat al-Numan, with footage showing crowds gathering in the streets, setting tyres ablaze. The increase has sparked fierce debate on social media platforms among the public and commentators alike.
Production and Consumption
Currently, Syria produces around 102,000 barrels of oil daily but requires approximately 325,000 barrels to meet domestic demand, leading the country to rely on imports to bridge the gap.
Government Response
The Ministry of Energy indicated that it would continually review fuel prices in response to global market conditions and aim to expand refining and storage capacities long-term. As the country looks to recover economically after 14 years of conflict, access to affordable fuel remains critical.
Caption: A protester burns tyres on the highway between Aleppo and Turkiye to protest against fuel price increases in Syria on September 13, 2026 [Mahmoud Hassano/Reuters]
