Syria protests erupt as fuel prices soar by 40%

Protests have erupted across Syria following a 40% increase in diesel prices, reaching 175 Syrian pounds per litre. Demonstrators blocked major roads and demanded the resignation of several government officials. Approximately 90% of Syrians now live below the poverty line, exacerbated by a prolonged economic crisis. The Energy Ministry stated that these increases were temporary, caused by higher global procurement costs.