Diesel subsidy suspension adds to Hasakah’s daily hardships

Hasakah is facing worsening shortages of fuel and bread, along with difficulties related to currency circulation, as residents struggle to obtain basic necessities. The suspension of subsidized diesel for public transport and bakeries has affected transportation and increased daily living costs.

Resident Ali Hamza Al-Saleh said residents are facing a number of burdens, most notably shortages of bread and fuel, as well as difficulties related to the currency exchange process.

He noted that the shortage of the new currency in markets had prompted some shops to accept certain denominations of the old currency, including 2,000- and 5,000-pound notes, while rejecting others, such as 500- and 1,000-pound notes.

He added that some bakeries and fuel stations are refusing to accept the old currency, causing confusion among residents.

During his remarks, he said the suspension of subsidized diesel for minibuses had led to a sharp increase in transportation costs, with passenger fares rising from around 2,000 to 5,000 Syrian pounds, placing additional financial pressure on residents and minibus operators.

Meanwhile, resident Fathallah Ali said the new currency remains in limited circulation in the markets, while some shops and bakeries refuse to accept certain denominations of the old currency.

He called on the relevant authorities to provide sufficient liquidity in the new currency and regulate its circulation in a way that would ease the burden on residents.

Ali also pointed to differences in exchange rates between the old and new currencies, saying the currency replacement process requires more time and organized procedures to prevent further crises for residents.

ANHA Agency contacted the Directorate of Internal Trade and Consumer Protection in Hasakah province for clarification regarding market conditions and currency circulation, but it did not provide any comment on the matter.

Meanwhile, the Fuel Directorate in Hasakah said the transitional government had issued a decision to halt subsidized diesel supplies to Hasakah province as part of what it said was an effort to unify fuel prices across Syria.

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ANHA