Syrian President Bashar al-Assad has taken action to alleviate the burden on the citizens of Syria as the government implemented a sharp increase in fuel prices. In a move to cushion the impact of this economic decision, the President has issued an order for a 100% salary raise, as reported by local media.
It is worth noting that this salary increase applies to state employees, retirees, and military personnel—an unprecedented measure of support amidst the country’s ongoing economic crisis. This marks the ninth salary increase since the outbreak of the Syrian war in 2011, according to reports from the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN).
Until this recent development, civil servants in Syria earned a monthly salary ranging between approximately $10 and $25, based on the street value of the Syrian pound. This increase will undoubtedly provide some respite to the struggling workforce.
The Syrian Ministry of Internal Trade and Consumer Protection has also made headlines following the substantial increase in fuel prices. Transportation diesel and bakery fuel saw a surge of about 180%, while regular unleaded gasoline skyrocketed by approximately 165%.
Unsurprisingly, the fuel price hike has ignited chaos among the populace, with many bus drivers refusing to work in protest. The resulting disruption in transportation services has compounded the challenges faced by Syrians.
Furthermore, the impact of the price increase has extended beyond the fuel sector. It has triggered a ripple effect, causing a significant surge in food prices, intensifying the hardship endured by the population. Consequently, food prices have surged between 30% and 100%.
