Fuel Price Hike Triggers Largest Protests Since Fall of Assad Regime

A decision by Syria’s Ministry of Energy to raise fuel prices has triggered the country’s largest wave of popular protests since the fall of the former regime in December 2024, with demonstrations, road blockades, and strikes spreading across several governorates. The ministry increased the price of gas oil (mazout) by 40 percent, petrol by more than 25 percent, and household and industrial gas by around 9 percent. The increases immediately pushed up public transport fares and fuel-related costs across the country, at a time when Syria is already experiencing double-digit inflation and widespread pressure on household purchasing power.