Fuel price hike raises prices, transportation fares in Girkê Legê

The repercussions of the Syrian transitional government’s fuel price hikes continue to be felt across most parts of the country, including Girkê Legêin the Jazira region. Higher diesel and gasoline prices have pushed up the prices of goods and products as well as transportation fares, amid concerns that further increases could place an additional burden on residents.

During a tour of Girkê Legê's market, ANHA agency observed increases in the prices of several vegetables and fruits following the fuel price hike. The price of one kilogram of tomatoes rose from 4,500 Syrian pounds in the old currency to 7,000 pounds, while cucumbers increased from 6,000 to 9,000 pounds and potatoes from 6,000 to 9,000 pounds. The price of grapes also rose from 7,500 to 12,000 pounds.

The price of one kilogram of bananas increased from 15,000 to 22,000 pounds, peaches from 25,000 to 30,000 pounds, and apples from 15,000 to 20,000 Syrian pounds in the old currency.

According to some traders in Girkê Legê, continued fuel price increases at the current level could lead to further increases in commodity prices. They estimated that prices could rise by around 15 percent if current fuel prices remain unchanged.

The latest increase in commodity prices follows the government’s decision on September 13 to raise the price of one liter of diesel from 12,500 to 17,500 Syrian pounds (old currency), while gasoline increased from 14,200 to 18,500 pounds. The decision directly affected transportation fares between cities and towns.

In this context, the passenger fare for Fox vehicles traveling between Derik and Qamishlo has risen to around 60,000 pounds, up from 15,000 pounds less than a month ago and 35,000 pounds following the September 4 fuel price increase.

The fare between Girkê Legê and Qamishlo also rose to 50,000 pounds, after standing at 12,000 pounds before the September 4 fuel price increase and reaching 30,000 pounds following that decision.

Meanwhile, fares for public taxis operating within Girkê Legê rose to 10,000 pounds per passenger, up from 5,000 pounds.

Drivers: Fuel price increases harm both us and residents

Taxi drivers say raising transportation fares was not a choice for them, but rather a direct result of higher fuel prices and vehicle operating costs.

Driver Abdul Karim Mohammad, who operates on the Girkê Legê–Qamishlo route, told ANHA agency that the passenger fare had been around 12,000 pounds less than a month ago, before rising to 30,000 pounds and then to 50,000 pounds following the latest increase in diesel prices.

Mohammad explained that the cost of daily trips has become high, noting that a round trip between Karki Laki and Qamishlo consumes at least 550,000 pounds worth of fuel, in addition to vehicle maintenance and repair costs.

He added that most passengers are employees, workers, teachers, and students, and that higher transportation fares compared with their limited incomes would place an additional burden on them. He stressed that drivers themselves are also residents and are affected by the same living conditions.

Mohammad called on the authorities that raised fuel prices to reverse the decision and reduce fuel costs, noting that various aspects of daily life and the prices of essential goods are linked to transportation and fuel costs.

Driver Munif Bardi, who operates on the Derik–Qamishlo route, said the passenger fare had previously been 15,000 pounds when service diesel was provided to them by the Autonomous Administration. It then rose to 35,000 pounds two weeks ago after the transitional government took over the energy and fuel sector in the Jazira, reaching 60,000 pounds between Derik and Qamishlo after diesel prices were raised to 17,500 pounds.

Bardi said drivers’ earnings do not always cover the costs of fuel, oil, and vehicle repairs, adding that drivers are also residents who bear part of the financial burden of rising living costs. However, he said higher operating costs are forcing them to increase transportation fares.

He called on the transitional government to reverse its decision to raise fuel prices, given the link between fuel costs and various goods, services, and transportation.

Driver Shiro Ajja, who operates on the Qamishlo–Girkê Legê route, said drivers previously covered the cost of diesel from passenger fares while retaining a margin of profit, and fares remained affordable for residents.

He explained that the situation changed after fuel prices increased, forcing drivers to raise fares to cover their costs at a time when residents are facing reduced purchasing power and lower wages.

Ajja noted that a large proportion of passengers are patients, students, and employees, making higher transportation fares an additional burden on them. He said residents sometimes object to fare increases, but the rise in diesel prices directly forces drivers to raise their rates.

As fuel prices continue to rise, their repercussions are increasingly affecting the prices of essential goods and transportation fares, amid calls from residents and drivers for solutions to curb rising living costs and ease the economic burden on low-income households.

A-H

ANHA