Syria's fuel price hike triggers protests in over 80 municipalities

In mid-September 2026, Syria's government, led by Ahmed al-Sharaa, raised fuel prices, triggering protests in over 80 municipalities. The price hike, effective Sunday, set gasoline at about $1.52 per liter and diesel at $1.43, due to refinery rehabilitation and global oil price increases. Demonstrators set fires and blockaded roads, marking the first major economic unrest since al-Sharaa took power. The government scheduled a parliamentary hearing to address the increase. Meanwhile, US gas prices also surged, with the national average reaching $4.37 per gallon, driven by geopolitical tensions and a drone attack on a Saudi pipeline.