Fuel crisis disrupts transport in Hama, Hasakah as protests grow

Reactions to rising fuel prices continue across several parts of Syria, as the impact of the increases begins to directly affect transport in Hama province and its countryside, as well as Hasakah province. Internal and intercity transport routes have come to a near-complete standstill after a large number of minibus drivers stopped operating.

The transport crisis coincided with rising prices of petroleum products, particularly diesel, prompting drivers to call for an adjustment to transport fares in line with higher operating costs, while residents are struggling to reach their workplaces and places of study.

Youssef Ismail, a young man from Hama city, said the crisis is no longer limited to a shortage of transportation, but is also taking place amid declining ability to meet daily living needs. He noted that transport and commuting in Hama and its countryside have been almost completely paralyzed in recent days.

Asaad al-Mohammed, a resident of Qamishli, said transport had ground to a halt and that prices of all goods and services had risen following the increase in fuel prices.

The crisis is having a greater impact on students and employees, who were already facing rising transport fares. Passenger stations have become overcrowded after hours of waiting, while some people were forced on Sunday morning to share taxi fares to reach their destinations.

Transport fares in Hama city currently stand at around 2,500 Syrian pounds on internal routes, while some drivers operating on certain routes charge 3,500 pounds, with fares varying depending on the route and distance.

Employee Haneen Mansour said she may have to miss work in Hama for several days due to the rise in the fare for the Masyaf-Hama minibus route. The fare increased from 13,000 pounds to 14,000, then 16,000, before reaching 21,000 old Syrian pounds on Sunday.

Meanwhile, resident Mamoun al-Jundi expressed concern that the impact of rising fuel prices would extend to food, consumer goods and bread prices, amid declining employment opportunities and incomes.

These developments come as several areas witness reactions and protests over rising fuel prices, with calls to review fuel prices and transport fares, take residents’ purchasing power into account, and address the repercussions of higher transport, production and service costs.

A new fuel price bulletin took effect at midnight on September 13, raising the prices of gasoline, diesel and gas and prompting growing debate over the decision’s impact on transport, markets and living conditions.

ANHA