Acute shortage of domestic gas exacerbates suffering of Sweida residents

Not a single shipment of local gas has entered Sweida Governorate since the launch of the attack that was initiated by transitional government forces on July 14. This came at a time when the area was under a complete siege, amid gas depot theft and looting. This has led to a severe shortage of the material, forcing citizens to resort to primitive means amid worsening humanitarian needs.

With gas and electricity supplies cut off for only an hour or two a day, residents have resorted to burning firewood and kerosene stoves, which are ignited using diesel when they are able to obtain it, even in shelters, reports the local Suwayda24 network.

Local sources to Suwayda24 corroborated that the fuel is completely missing from official dealers and distribution outlets with assurances that supplies will resume within the coming few days. Meanwhile, some merchants outside official channels are selling limited quantities at exorbitant prices, reaching 700,000-800,000 Syrian pounds per cylinder, compared to the normal price of about 140,000 Syrian pounds.

A video has emerged in the town of Tha'la in the western Sweida countryside, which is controlled by the transitional government forces and whose displaced citizens are absent. It reveals the theft of gas cylinders from a warehouse in the town.

ANHA