The Syrian Observatory For Human Rights

Fuel price new increase | Popular resentment grows over rising prices again by HTS-affiliated company of “Watad”

SOHR activists have documented growing popular anger in areas under the control of Hayyaat Tahrir Al-Sham and opposition faction in Idlib, after rising the fuel price by “Watad” company for the second time in just a few days. The prices have risen as follows:

 

  • Import petrol has increased to 4.40 Turkish lira per litre

 

  • Import oil has increased to 4.25 Turkish lira per litre

 

  • Refined oil has increased to 3.50 Turkish lira per litre

 

  • A gas cylinder has increased to 60 Turkish lira.

 

This new increase in prices ignited broad anger among the residents of Idlib.

 

On August 5, SOHR activists said that a group of young men held a vigil at “Al-Sa’a” Square in Idlib city, rejecting the decisions of HTS’ “Watad” company to raise fuel prices.

 

The demonstrators accused “Watad” company of stealing and seizing their money by raising prices and switching to deal with the Turkish currency instead of the Syrian pound.

 

The demonstrators lifted placards with slogans on them read “After each drone attack, the people pay the price”.

 

Observatory activists had monitored widespread public discontent and anger in Idlib city and HTS-held areas, following the rise in fuel prices according to the Turkish lira.

 

30 Turkish piasters was added to the price of a litre of petrol, while 25 pts was added to the price of European diesel and 15 pts for refined oil. The gas cylinder maintained its previous price.

 

Meanwhile, the “Watad” company did not explain the reason for the second rise after the beginning of dealing in Turkish lira instead of the Syrian pound.

 

On July 31, SOHR sources reported hearing loud explosions in areas north of Idlib city, caused by unidentified drone attack, believed to be of the International Coalition, on HTS-affiliated “Watad” company’s fuel market. The drone fired three missiles on the market on the outskirts of Sarmada which caused large fires.