Syrians took to the streets in several cities to protest sharp increases in fuel prices, with demonstrators blocking a main highway for several hours, according to Al Jazeera.
The protests followed the government’s decision on Sunday to raise fuel prices by up to 40% for diesel and 28% for petrol, which it said were temporary increases prompted by a sharp rise in the global cost of securing fuel.
The government also cited an overhaul of the country’s Baniyas refinery as a factor behind the price increases.
The refinery’s capacity is expected to rise from 80,000 barrels per day to 130,000 barrels per day following the upgrade.
Al Jazeera reported protests in Hama, Khan Sheikhoun and Maarat al-Numan.
Video footage seen by Energy News Africa showed crowds gathering in the streets and burning tyres.
The price increases have also sparked heated debate on social media.
Syria is currently producing about 102,000 barrels of oil per day, while domestic consumption stands at about 325,000 barrels per day, leaving the country dependent on imports to meet the shortfall, Energy Minister Mohammed al-Bashir said on Saturday.
The Ministry of Energy said it would continue to review fuel prices in response to changes in global market conditions and would work over the longer term to expand refining and storage capacity, according to state news agency SANA.
Fuel supplies are critical to Syria’s economic recovery as the country seeks to rebuild after 14 years of war.
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