Syria raises fuel prices by up to 40% amid higher import costs and refinery maintenance

Syria raised prices for petroleum products on Sunday by between approximately 9 and 40 percent, with the government attributing the increases to higher global procurement costs and maintenance work at the Baniyas refinery.

Under a new price schedule issued by the Standing Committee for Setting Prices of Petroleum Products and Mineral Resources, the price of diesel increased by 40 percent, from 125 to 175 Syrian pounds per litre.

The price of 95-octane gasoline rose from 152 to 195 pounds per liter, an increase of approximately 28.3 percent, while 90-octane gasoline increased from 147 to 185 pounds, or about 25.9 percent.

The price of a domestic gas cylinder increased from 1,470 to 1,600 pounds, an increase of around 8.8 percent. Industrial gas rose from 2,350 to 2,560 pounds, or approximately 8.9 percent.

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The revised prices took effect at midnight on 13th September, according to the official announcement.

Syria’s Energy Ministry described the increases as a temporary measure prompted by what it called an “exceptional” rise in the international cost of securing petroleum products.

The ministry said higher costs for obtaining gasoline, diesel and fuel oil were placing additional pressure on the domestic market.

It added that the Baniyas refinery is undergoing comprehensive maintenance expected to last approximately two months, temporarily increasing Syria’s reliance on imported refined petroleum products.

According to the ministry, the price adjustments are intended to help maintain supplies and ensure the continued availability of petroleum products in the domestic market.

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