The deep fuel crisis in Syria, coupled with U.S. sanctions, has led to this increase, according to Al-Assad's government

Syrian government implements a more than 100% increase in diesel fuel

photo_camera AFP/LOUAI BESHARA - Syria raises fuel prices by 100%

In the midst of the fuel shortage crisis in Syria, the government of Bashar al-Assad has implemented an increase of more than 100% in the price of diesel and more than 50% of 95 octane petrol. 

In a press release from the Ministry of Internal Trade and Consumer Protection, the Syrian government announced the decision to increase the price of commercial and industrial diesel from around $0.58 per litre to $1.3 per litre.

As for 95-octane petrol, it will rise to $2.05 per litre, after the Syrian authorities increased the cost of this product from $0.8 to $1.66 per litre on 8 October. 

Los conductores hacen cola para obtener la gasolina

The ministry blamed the price rises on "the high cost to the government of insuring petroleum derivatives and increased transport costs in the face of the unjust blockade imposed by the US administration". 

In mid-June, the United States announced, in the framework of the Caesar Act, the entry into force of new economic sanctions against Syrian President Bashar al-Assad and 38 other personalities in his entourage who did business with the Damascus government. 

In its latest report on Syria published in October, the World Food Programme (WFP) warned of an "acute" fuel shortage in the country due to the collapse in the value of the Syrian currency, sanctions that reduce import capacity and maintenance work at the country's largest refinery.

"Due to the lack of fuel availability, the Syrian authorities have further rationed both subsidised and non-subsidised fuel," WFP warned in its September report, noting that private vehicles are now only allowed 30 litres of petrol every four days.  

President Bashar al-Assad on Wednesday announced several measures to mitigate the impact on the poor by raising the income tax threshold and ordering the payment of a one-off subsidy of LS 50,000 to all public sector employees, military or civilian. 

El presidente sirio, Bashar Al-Assad

Heating fuel, petrol and cooking gas have been in short supply in government-controlled areas for years, and motorists have become accustomed to long queues to fill up. 

Syria was producing nearly 400,000 barrels of oil per day before the civil war broke out in 2011. 

The Syrian economic crisis has caused food prices to double over the past year, with the value of the pound plummeting to $1,250 at the official rate and $2,200 on the black market.

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