Syrians Struggle with Soaring Prices as Crisis Challenges Post-Assad Recovery
BBC News - BBC Homepage
Skip to content Accessibility Help
Your account
Home News Sport Earth Reel Worklife Travel Culture Future Music TV Weather Sounds
More
BBC News
Menu
Home Climate World UK Business Tech Science Entertainment & Arts Health In Pictures
More
BBC Verify Newsbeat
...
Syrians face economic struggles
Image source: Neha Sharma/BBC
Image caption: Many Syrians say their economic situation has worsened in the last two years.
By Hugo Bachega Middle East correspondent
Last month, protests erupted across Syria, with people blocking roads and chanting against the government's decision to raise fuel prices. One protester said he could no longer afford bread, while another expressed fear over what new decisions each morning might bring.
These demonstrations were the largest since President Ahmed al-Sharaa took office two years ago, following the ousting of President Bashar al-Assad. While people celebrated Assad's departure and their newfound freedoms, they also hoped for quick economic improvements, which have not materialized.
The cost of living has increased across the board, with essential bills and basic goods becoming more expensive. Fuel prices, particularly, sparked anger as they reached international averages, affecting farmers and transportation costs. Electricity prices have also risen dramatically for some.
In response, the government has adjusted public sector wages, including pensions, but rising prices have canceled out these gains. Fatima Saleh Eid, a 50-year-old cleaner, shared her struggles at a Damascus market, noting that her family now eats less meat and vegetables due to the high costs.
The government's austerity drive, which included cutting long-held subsidies, has hit hard. Bread prices have increased tenfold, and transportation costs are higher due to the new fuel rates. Many Syrians are now facing unemployment, with men gathering in streets hoping for day jobs.