The Syrian Observatory For Human Rights

HTS arrests street vendors for buying fuel smuggled from areas controlled by “National Army” 

Reliable sources have informed SOHR that members of the security forces affiliated with Hayyaat  Tahrir Al-Sham arrested, this morning, owners of fuel stalls for buying fuel brought by residents coming from areas controlled by “National Army” to Idlib countryside near Deir Ballout crossing, which is controlled by Hayyaat Tahrir Al-Sham.

As a result of price difference in the two regions, children and some people work on bringing fuel from areas controlled by the “National Army” to HTS-held areas on a daily basis.

It is worth noting that “Watad” company monopolizes import and distribution of fuel in Idlib and prevents entry of cheap fuel from Turkish-held areas coming from SDF areas.

On December, SOHR sources reported that as the Turkish lira exchange rate against the US dollar continued to plummet, Watad Petroleum company switched to US dollar instead of the Turkish lira in areas held by HTS and factions in Idlib province.

According to Syrian Observatory sources, watad has obliged station owners to purchase screens to show new fuel prices in US dollars.

Therefore, the new hike of prices of fuel and switching currency to US dollar have grown widespread popular discontent across Idlib.

The fuel prices have been set as follows:
• Imported petrol: 0,86 $
• Diesel (premium quality): 0,812 $
• Diesel (high quality): 0,641 $
• Refined diesel: 0,504 $
• A gas cylinder: ( 12 ) $