Garkê Legê residents complain of rising prices and declining purchasing power

The Syrian transitional government’s decision to raise fuel prices has directly affected living conditions in Garkê Legê in the Jazira Canton, driving up the prices of various food items, vegetables and fruits. Residents have complained about difficulties in meeting basic needs, particularly as winter approaches.

In this context, resident Abdul Wahab Ali told ANHA agency that rising prices of goods linked to diesel have increased living costs. He noted that the price of sand used in his real estate project rose from $22 to $30.

He added that securing diesel for heating during winter would place an additional burden on residents, explaining that a household may need around three barrels of diesel amid rising prices. He called on the relevant authorities to take residents’ difficult living conditions into account, saying the fuel price increases have affected the prices of various goods.

Abdul Wahab explained that his monthly income of around $400 is insufficient to meet the needs of his four-member family. He said many families rely on financial assistance sent by their children living in Europe, warning that conditions could worsen if prices continue to rise.

Resident Hussein Sando said the increase in diesel prices has significantly affected people working in various trades and businesses. He explained that he works as a taxi driver and was previously reimbursed at a rate of 500 Syrian pounds per liter, while the price has now reached 17,500 pounds in the old currency, making living conditions more difficult.

Sando said $300 a month is insufficient to cover basic needs, adding that higher fuel prices have affected various goods, including bread and food. He also said the increase in diesel prices could leave many residents unable to afford heating fuel during the winter.

For his part, resident Khalil Diab said the rise in diesel prices has driven up the prices of food and medicines. He noted that his mother’s illness has added to his family’s financial burden, making it difficult to cover treatment and medication costs.

Diab said his monthly income is around $150, while his brother earns approximately $200. Despite this, their combined income is insufficient to cover the family’s expenses, particularly as they live in a rented home. He stressed that securing around $600 a month for the family barely covers basic needs, with no room for luxuries.

The impact of higher fuel prices has not been limited to heating and transportation costs but has also affected food prices in Garkê Legê’s markets. The price of a kilogram of tomatoes rose from 4,500 to 7,000 Syrian pounds in the old currency, while cucumbers and potatoes increased from 6,000 to 9,000 pounds. The price of grapes rose from 7,500 to 12,000 pounds.

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

The price increases followed the transitional government’s decision on September 13 to raise the price of a liter of diesel from 12,500 to 17,500 pounds and gasoline from 14,200 to 18,500 pounds. The move has affected transportation and production costs, as well as the prices of various goods in the markets.

As winter approaches, residents are increasingly concerned about continued price increases, particularly for diesel, which remains essential for heating amid difficult economic and living conditions.

ANHA