Many citizens are apprehensive about the current year, anticipating a worsening economic situation, particularly regarding prices. The year began on an ominous note, particularly in relation to fuel prices. On the third day of the year, the government decided to increase the selling price of a litre of diesel for all non-public transport and agricultural tractors to 11,880 SYP. Subsequently, the price of 90-octane gasoline for the private sector was raised to 10,896 SYP from its previous 9,000 SYP, and the price of diesel increased to 10,895 SYP per litre. Fuel tons surged to about 6.5 million SYP, and liquid gas exceeded 10 million SYP per ton.
Issam Tizini, the Secretary of the Homs Chamber of Industry, contends that these decisions are inevitably pushing the Syrian street towards increased hardship, especially for consumers. Tizini notes that the burden of these price hikes falls on the citizen, who is the last link in the economic process. While recognizing the industrialist’s perspective on the reasons behind the energy price increases, he emphasizes that they are not aligned with the wages of employees and workers. Tizini insists that an increase in product prices across the board must be considered.
Addressing the distribution of fuel to industrialists and traders, Tizini acknowledges the sufficiency of quantities, especially after the ceiling for companies of gasoline was raised. However, he highlights that the challenge lies in the difficulty of obtaining these materials, citing issues such as payment obstacles through banks and cumbersome procedures hindering the work of industrialists and traders. Tizini suggests that the government’s decision-making regarding oil prices may not be thoroughly considered, potentially reflecting the state’s financial constraints.
Tizini expresses concern that the current year could be more perilous in terms of price increases, citing indicators observed in the first week. He suggests that for the government to truly serve the consumer, it must facilitate conditions for the producer rather than issuing decisions that obstruct production and prompt capital flight.
This article was translated and edited by The Syrian Observer. The Syrian Observer has not verified the content of this story. Responsibility for the information and views set out in this article lies entirely with the author.
