Transport fares return to previous rates in Qamishlo

Transport fares between Qamishlo and other cities in the Jazira region had witnessed a notable increase last week after the suspension of subsidized diesel allocated for bus and taxi drivers. The subsidized fuel is sold at 525 Syrian pounds per liter, forcing drivers to purchase free-market diesel priced at 0.75 USD per liter (approximately 10,000 Syrian pounds), which directly impacted passenger fares.

The return to the previous pricing came after protests in the city, as the Fuel Committee resumed distributing subsidized diesel to drivers once supplies became available, prompting them to cancel the fare increase and adhere to the former tariff.

Driver Mohammad Hassan al-Hassan, who works on the Qamishlo–Tal Tamr route, said that the suspension of subsidized diesel last week forced drivers to raise transport fares due to higher fuel costs, stressing that this placed a heavy burden on citizens. He added that the resumption of subsidized fuel distribution helped restore fares to their previous levels, expressing his appreciation to the Fuel Committee for resolving the issue.

Meanwhile, Abdul Salam, the manager of the Qamishlo–Amuda route, explained that the Fuel Committee currently allocates 8 liters of subsidized diesel per trip, noting that the shortage had forced drivers to raise the fare between Qamishlo and Amuda from 8,000 Syrian pounds to 20,000 Syrian pounds.

He also stressed that rising fuel prices have not only affected the transport sector but have also led to increases in the prices of many goods and services, adding to citizens’ economic burden.

Abdul Salam called on the Fuel Committee to increase the allocation of subsidized diesel to 20 liters per trip, arguing that the current amount is insufficient to cover the needs of transport routes.

A-H 

ANHA