Rising transport fares in Hasakah increase cost-of-living burden on citizens

The city of Hasakah is witnessing an increase in public transport fares, amid the suspension of diesel allocations for minibus owners for approximately 21 days. This has forced them to purchase fuel from the black market at high prices, directly affecting citizens.

In this context, citizen Jassem al-Sayer said that transport fares had increased despite the short distances within the city, noting that the fare for traveling from the Gweran neighborhood to the bus station, a distance of one kilometer, had reached 4,000 Syrian pounds.

He stressed that citizens are bearing the burden of rising prices and that no one is suffering more than they are. He said: “The situation in Hasakah Governorate has become unbearable due to rising prices, and every day the situation becomes increasingly difficult.”

For his part, citizen Ahmad al-Alaiwi pointed out that the increase in transport fares is doubling the financial burden on families, particularly those with students, as well as workers.

He called for “the provision of diesel, a reduction in fuel prices, and a solution to the worsening transportation crisis, as citizens are suffering greatly from rising prices and cannot bear all these burdens.”

Meanwhile, Ibrahim Hussein, the owner of one of the minibuses operating within the city, confirmed that the suspension of their subsidized diesel allocations had led to an increase in operating costs.

He explained that each minibus is allocated 400 liters per month, and that they have now been purchasing diesel on the black market for approximately 14,000 Syrian pounds per liter.

He added: “The increase in transport fares will place a heavy burden on citizens and negatively affect them, especially since most of the population belongs to the working class, in addition to its impact on students.”

Hussein confirmed that minibus owners went on strike in recent days in protest against the suspension of their subsidized diesel allocations. However, the strike did not result in their demands being met, and they have been forced to purchase diesel on the black market at a price of 14,000 Syrian pounds per liter. This has led to an increase in transport fares to 4,000 Syrian pounds within the city and 5,000 Syrian pounds for neighborhoods bordering it.

During his remarks, Hussein called for the restoration of their subsidized diesel allocations so that passenger fares could be returned to their previous levels.

For his part, minibus owner Ahmad Ayham pointed to a decline in transportation activity and work as a result of the fare increases.

He explained that a worker earning around 50,000 Syrian pounds per day is struggling to afford transportation costs, which is affecting economic activity and markets.

He called on the relevant authorities to restore their subsidized diesel allocations, as the rising costs of fuel, vehicle spare parts, and maintenance have increased their burdens, while citizens are bearing the greatest share of the consequences of higher transportation costs.

ANHA