By Salma El-Sakka
Protests erupted across Syria last month over fuel price increases, marking the largest public discontent since President Ahmed al-Sharaa took power two years ago. Demonstrators burned tires and blocked roads, with many saying their economic situation has worsened since the ouster of Bashar al-Assad.
Fuel price hike triggers widespread anger
The government's decision to raise fuel prices again sparked protests in squares and streets nationwide. One protester told a Syrian TV channel he supported the authorities but could no longer afford bread. Another said they feared each morning's new decisions. Days later, amid calls for further demonstrations, the increase was revoked.
Living costs surge since Assad's fall
Since rebels led by Sharaa ousted Assad, ending five decades of family rule and 13 years of civil war, the cost of virtually everything has risen. The government has slashed long-held subsidies as part of an austerity drive. Bread prices have increased tenfold, fuel prices now match international averages, and electricity costs have risen several hundred percent for some. Public sector wage adjustments have been eroded by continuing inflation.
Families struggle to afford basics
In a Damascus suburb, Fatima Saleh Eid, 50, a cleaner supporting her family, said they eat more sparingly and can no longer afford chicken or meat. Her husband recently found work at a ceramic factory after a year unemployed, but many gather daily hoping for day labor. Marwan Bashour, a 68-year-old pensioner on the $90 monthly minimum wage, said he borrows money and sells household items to survive. The United Nations Development Programme reported 90% of Syrians were in poverty last year.
Electricity costs force harsh choices
Nabil al-Remhein, 63, said his family now eats one meal a day. His wife does chores in the dark to save on electricity bills, which consume about a third of their income. They turn off the refrigerator for five hours daily. None of his four adult children can find work. Aid agency support has also been cut due to funding reductions.
Analysts warn of policy impact
Dr Haid Haid, a Syrian columnist and consulting fellow at Chatham House, said a significant portion of the population is worse off than before Assad's fall. He called the economic crisis one of the most dangerous issues for the government, attributing it partly to new policies moving toward a liberal free-market economy without accounting for the impact on people. The Syrian economy and industry ministry declined to comment.
Some gains amid deep challenges
Sharaa's government has achieved some gains: international sanctions from the Assad era have been lifted, and the U.S. removed Syria from its list of state sponsors of terrorism. Security remains volatile but the country feels more stable. The president has consolidated power and retook the resource-rich northeast from a Kurdish-led militia this year, though Druze control areas in the south seeking autonomy and Israel occupies parts of the southwest.
Reconstruction costs estimated at $216 billion
Large parts of Syria remain in ruins after a war that killed half a million people and displaced half the population. Many families live in partially destroyed buildings, unable to afford rent. The World Bank estimates reconstruction costs at $216 billion, impossible without foreign help and investment. Economist Samir Aita, head of the Circle of Arab Economists, called the crisis a combination of policies with the government not managing expectations. He warned the situation is unsustainable and could lead to chaos without change.
Exhausted after years of conflict, Syrians remain hopeful. Cab driver Abu Mahmoud said the government inherited a bankrupt country and people need patience, as things do not happen overnight.
