Rising criticism of living conditions in Syria, calls for action on April 17

In recent times, criticism of the living and economic situation in Syria has intensified. Syrian expatriates who have visited the country, along with economic analysts, have spoken about declining service levels and rising living costs, in addition to concerns over the worsening economic and social situation.

ANHA correspondent has observed a massive increase in the prices of essential goods and services. The price of a bundle of bread has risen from 400 Syrian pounds to 4,000 pounds, and a gas cylinder from 22,000 pounds to 135,000 pounds if available. Electricity costs have surged from 10,000–20,000 pounds to approximately one to two million pounds. Transportation fares have tripled, and rents have increased several-fold, alongside complaints about declining public services such as the accumulation of waste.

A group of Syrian activists has called, via social media platforms, for a sit-in at al-Muhafaza Square in Damascus on April 17, coinciding with Syria’s Independence Day. They consider the date symbolically significant in relation to economic and livelihood demands.

Economic analysts who recently visited Syria told ANHA agency that the country is facing mounting economic challenges amid declining external support and shifting economic policies, including a move toward expanding the role of the private sector in certain essential services. This includes measures mentioned in recent decrees concerning energy and water, which have sparked debate about their impact on electricity, water, and basic commodity prices.

New legislative decrees were issued on April 9 by the head of the interim government, Ahmad al-Sharaa. These included the establishment of the General Establishment for Drinking Water and Sanitation, as well as public companies in the electricity and mining sectors. The government stated that these steps aim at “reorganization,” while Syrians and specialists view them as a form of privatization.

Analysts and visitors have also reported a noticeable rise in the prices of several essential goods and services, including bread, gas, electricity, transportation, and rents, along with observations regarding challenges related to public services in some areas.

In the same context, Syrian expatriate Elias Abboud told ANHA agency that among the phenomena he noticed during his visit was the expansion of the used car trade in local markets, with roadside displays appearing around the capital, as he described.

For his part, university professor Ammar al-Zein noted during his visit to Syria a gap between what is presented in the media and the reality on the ground. He pointed to challenges related to services, job opportunities, and certain administrative practices, in addition to the continued impact of years of war on various sectors.

These views come amid ongoing public debate about living and economic conditions in Syria, alongside calls for protest movements on April 17, with demands to improve living conditions and enhance economic stability.

ANHA