The Syrian Observatory For Human Rights

Stifling crises | Syrians in Al-Raqqah use waste and dry dung as alternatives for heating as fuel prices soaring

As dire living and humanitarian conditions in Autonomous Administration held areas are worsening further in light of the soaring prices of fuel and alternative heating materials, many families in Al-Raqqah have found themselves forced to use unsanitary and unsafe heating methods to cope with the freezing temperatures and cold weather.

 

Residents in Al-Raqqah, particularly those who suffer from extreme poverty, use several alternatives for heating, the most prominent is a primitive portable stove, locally known “Al-Wawiya” which is made of a large metal box punctured at both ends and powered by plastic objects, nylons and garbage. They also use “dry dung,” car oil and grease.

 

Some others with relatively higher income use fire logs for heating. The price of fire logs approximates 700,000 Syrian pounds per ton, while the price of one litre of duty free diesel has amounted to 1,800 Syrian pounds and one litre of kerosene to 2,500 Syrian pounds.

 

According to local sources, displaced people in refugee camps around Al-Raqqah city and poor neighbourhoods have not obtained cards of subsidised diesel granted by the Autonomous Administration this winter, which forced many families to turn to alternative heating materials, mostly produce toxic gases and negatively affect the health of people, especially children.

 

It is worth noting that the Autonomous Administration has allocated 600 litres of diesel to be granted in two batches to every family in a year, as well as a gas cylinder every two months.

 

It is worth noting that Al-Raqqah hosts tens of refugee camps accommodating thousands of displaced people from different Syrian provinces. Those families are struggling with harsh living conditions in light of the Syrian currency plunge, almost-complete suspension of support and humanitarian aid and inaction by organisations operating in the province.