A new fuel price bulletin issued Thursday by the Syrian Petroleum Company has ignited a wave of public anger across the country, after announcing fresh increases in the prices of mazut, gasoline, and household and industrial gas. The decision comes at a moment when Syrians were hoping for relative stability in energy prices, following repeated government assurances that the sector was improving.
The backlash was fueled not only by the price hike itself but also by the mechanism behind it. The bulletin once again priced fuel directly in US dollars — a move many see as entrenching a policy that exposes citizens to currency volatility and government decisions while further undermining confidence in the newly introduced national currency.
A Direct Increase — Not Driven by the Exchange Rate
Company data shows that the exchange rate used in the new bulletin remains fixed at 133 Syrian pounds per dollar, identical to the rate used in the April 29 bulletin. This means the latest increases stem from an administrative decision to raise the dollar value of fuel products, not from any change in the exchange rate.
Under the new pricing, the cost of mazut rose noticeably, pushing its price in Syrian pounds higher than before and adding a new burden on sectors that depend heavily on it, particularly transport, agriculture, and industry. Gasoline also became more expensive across both grades. The lower-octane fuel saw one of the sharpest jumps, with its local price climbing significantly compared to the previous bulletin, while the higher-octane grade followed the same upward trend and reached its highest level yet.
These increases translate into higher transportation costs for individuals and heavier burdens on companies and institutions dependent on daily fuel consumption.
Higher Costs for Households and Industry
Household gas also saw a significant rise, with the price of a cylinder increasing from $10.50 to $12.50, bringing its local price to 1,662.5 pounds — an increase of 266 pounds per cylinder.
In the industrial sector, the price of a gas cylinder climbed from $16.80 to $20, reaching 2,660 pounds. Economists warn that this will likely trigger a new wave of inflation affecting goods and services tied to energy and industrial gas, further eroding the competitiveness of local producers already struggling with weak purchasing power and rising production costs.
A Growing Gap Between Official Promises and Daily Reality
The price hikes come despite earlier government statements touting major improvements in the energy sector. Energy Minister Mohamed Bashir had declared 2025 a “turning point,” citing the end of the fuel crisis, a 21% drop in fuel prices, increased electricity supply to more than eight hours per day, and a doubling of generation capacity to 2,500 megawatts.
But the new bulletin has revived public skepticism about the gap between official rhetoric and lived reality. While the government speaks of sectoral recovery and expanded exploration, citizens face higher prices and essential goods priced in dollars amid harsh economic conditions and stagnant incomes.
Critics argue that dollar-based pricing — even with a fixed official rate — simply reproduces the crisis in a new form. Fuel is not an ordinary commodity; it is embedded in the cost of transport, production, heating, and services. Any increase quickly ripples across nearly every aspect of daily life.
Public Outrage and Questions About the Value of “Recovered Resources”
Public reaction was swift and intense. Social media platforms filled with criticism accusing the government of deepening the burden on low-income households. Many questioned the point of “recovering” oil and gas fields if the benefits are not reflected in prices or living standards.
The decision also revived broader debates about economic sovereignty and the credibility of the national currency. For many, continuing to price essential commodities in dollars undermines confidence in the new Syrian pound and ties the domestic market to a foreign currency for one of the most sensitive goods in the economy.
Commentators called for ending dollar-based pricing altogether or, at minimum, establishing a transparent and predictable pricing mechanism that protects citizens from sudden shocks.
A Price Hike Amid Rising Social Discontent
The increase comes against a backdrop of growing social frustration over deteriorating living conditions and rising prices of basic goods. Just three days earlier, dozens of residents in Qamishli protested to demand market regulation and reject policies they say are worsening economic hardship.
Many Syrians now fear the fuel hike is the opening act of a broader inflationary wave, especially since fuel costs feed into nearly every stage of production and distribution. With dollar-indexed pricing still in place, markets appear to be entering a new phase of uncertainty as citizens await official explanations — and measures to shield the most vulnerable from the impact.
This article was translated and edited by The Syrian Observer. The Syrian Observer has not verified the content of this story. Responsibility for the information and views set out in this article lies entirely with the author.
