Syrian parliament summons energy minister after fuel-price protests spread

Parliament schedules a hearing

Syria’s People’s Assembly has summoned Energy Minister Mohammed al-Bashir to appear at a parliamentary hearing after a second day of protests against sharp increases in fuel prices. The assembly confirmed that the hearing would take place on Thursday at noon local time, following a request signed by more than 50 lawmakers for its energy committee to question the minister.

The formal summons marks a new institutional response to demonstrations that began after a temporary price schedule took effect at midnight on Sunday. Depending on the product, official increases ranged from 25% to 40%. Euronews reported that the price of diesel rose from 125 to 175 new Syrian pounds, while both grades of petrol and household cooking-gas cylinders also became more expensive.

Protests were reported in Hasakah, Deir ez-Zor, Raqqa, Aleppo, Idlib and Daraa. Demonstrators blocked roads, bridges and routes used by oil tankers. In al-Shahil, residents obstructed access to the al-Omar oilfield, while drivers held a sit-in near grain-storage facilities in Raqqa. Authorities had not announced a reversal of the price schedule by the article’s publication.

Import dependence drives the dispute

Al-Bashir has said the increase is intended to close the gap between the cost of importing petroleum products and the subsidised domestic selling price. Syria produces about 102,000 barrels of oil a day against estimated demand of around 325,000 barrels, according to figures he provided. Maintenance at the Baniyas refinery has further reduced domestic processing capacity and increased reliance on imported finished fuel.

The controversy lands in an economy already weakened by years of conflict, damaged infrastructure and low household purchasing power. A July British government assessment said high fuel costs, import dependence, weak domestic production and transport constraints continued to suppress economic activity. It estimated that about 60% of Syria’s population required humanitarian assistance in 2026 despite limited signs of economic recovery.

The hearing will test whether the transitional authorities modify the increases, expand compensation or defend market-linked pricing while refinery work continues. The government has said prices will be reviewed as global markets change and Baniyas returns to service. Protest activity around oilfields, tanker routes and grain facilities will be particularly important to watch because prolonged disruption could compound the shortage the increases were intended to address.