The Syrian Observatory For Human Rights

Impact of international tension | Foodstuff and medicine prices hike, baby formula shortage worsens and Syrian lira plummets

Over the past three days, the raging war between Russia and Ukraine and international tensions have driven foodstuff and drug prices even higher.

Drug prices have risen by up to 50% and some medicines became unavailable in pharmacies such as; proven and some chronic disease medications for heart patients, epilepsy, diabetes, cancer, coronary artery disease and other chronic disease drugs.

Moreover, the infant formula crisis has been worsened and exaggerated in Syrian pharmacies, the price of some varieties has risen, and other varieties have become unavailable permanently.

Furthermore, markets in areas controlled by the regime have witnessed a remarkable increase in the prices of basic materials. The prices have increased by 10% to 20%.

The Syrian lira has sunk to a new low against the foreign currencies. Today, the Syrian lira exchange rate against USD has recorded 3,690 for purchase and 3,725 for sale.

According to UN reports, nearly 14.6 million people are in dire need of humanitarian aid in Syria this year, an increase of 1.2 million people, or 9 % higher than last year.