Fuel Price Hikes Spark Protests Across Syria as Demonstrators Block Highways

Fuel price increases have triggered protests in several Syrian cities, with demonstrators blocking a major highway for hours and burning tires as anger spread over the cost of diesel and gasoline.

The government announced the increases on Sunday, raising diesel prices by as much as 40 percent and gasoline by 28 percent. Officials described the move as temporary, pointing to a sharp rise in global costs for securing fuel supplies.

Damascus also linked the higher prices to an overhaul of the Baniyas refinery, saying the work is expected to lift its capacity from 80,000 to 130,000 barrels per day.

A protester burns tires on the highway between Aleppo and Turkey during a demonstration against fuel price increases in Syria on September 13, 2026 [Mahmoud Hassano/Reuters]

Protests were reported in Hama, Khan Sheikhoun and Maarat al-Numan. Footage published by Al Jazeera showed crowds gathering in the streets and setting tires alight. The price hike also set off intense debate on social media.

The unrest comes against the backdrop of Syria's fragile recovery after 14 years of war. Fuel supplies are seen as critical to rebuilding the economy, restoring transport and keeping homes and businesses powered.

Syrian Energy Minister Mohammed al-Bashir said Saturday that the country produces about 102,000 barrels of oil per day, while domestic consumption requires about 325,000 barrels per day. The gap is covered by imports, leaving Syria exposed to shifts in global energy markets.

The Ministry of Energy said it would continue reviewing prices as global market conditions change and would work over the long term to expand refining and storage capacity, according to the state-run Syrian Arab News Agency (SANA).

For many Syrians, the latest increases add another layer of hardship in a country where fuel costs ripple through food, transport and basic services. How the government manages the fallout could shape public trust as it tries to stabilize the economy and rebuild infrastructure.