Fuel price protests escalate across eastern Syria

Protests have intensified across several areas of eastern Syria following an increase in fuel prices, which residents say has added to already severe economic pressures.

A widely circulated video showed a protester pouring gasoline over himself in an apparent attempt to set himself on fire. Several residents intervened and prevented him from doing so.

In the village of Al-Hardan, near the Al-Bouhmed junction east of Raqqa, dozens of demonstrators gathered and blocked several major roads to protest the price increase.

According to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, security forces affiliated with the Ministry of Interior fired live ammunition while attempting to disperse the demonstrators. Tensions remained high as security personnel sought to reopen the roads and remove protesters from the area.

Local sources cited by the Observatory said protesters threw stones at several security-force vehicles during confrontations surrounding the demonstrations.

The unrest has spread to parts of Raqqa, Hasakah and Deir ez-Zor provinces. Demonstrators in several towns and villages have blocked roads, burned tires and prevented oil tankers from passing.

Fuel prices in Syria have risen repeatedly in recent months as authorities seek to align prices with market conditions and the cost of supplying petroleum products.

The protests highlight the mounting financial pressure facing residents of eastern Syria. Higher fuel prices directly affect transportation and production costs, contributing to increases in the prices of essential goods and services.

The Syrian Observatory expressed concern over reports that live ammunition had been used against protesters. It called on security forces to exercise restraint and protect civilians, while urging officials to address the worsening economic conditions driving people to demonstrate.

The protests come amid broader unrest over the oil and fuel sector in northeastern Syria, further intensifying social and economic tensions across the region.