Major Roads Blocked in Syria as Fuel-price Protests Spread

By Al Mayadeen English

13 Sep 2026 23:11

Protests over higher fuel prices have blocked major Syrian roads, disrupting traffic between Damascus, Aleppo, Raqqa, Deir Ezzor and other areas.

Several international and main roads across Syria were blocked on Sunday as protests expanded over recent fuel-price increases, disrupting traffic and prompting warnings against travel on several major routes.

According to information cited by the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, the Damascus road was completely blocked, with calls for travelers to avoid heading toward the capital until further notice.

Protesters also continued blocking the Aleppo-Damascus highway, disrupting traffic along the major route and prompting warnings to residents about using certain international roads for their safety.

Large crowds have taken to the streets in Maarrat al-Numan, with protesters blocking the Aleppo–Damascus highway as demonstrations over the Al-Sharaa government’s latest fuel-price increases grow increasingly confrontational.

Fuel-price protests disrupt major Syrian roads

The road closures extended across several areas as anger grew over the impact of higher fuel prices on transportation and the cost of basic goods and services.

In the Raqqa countryside, protesters blocked the Raqqa-Tell Abyad road, objecting to the increase in fuel prices and the resulting economic pressures on residents.

The road in Khan Shaykhun, in the Idlib countryside, was also blocked, while protesters closed the route linking Deir Ezzor and Raqqa.

The disruptions have affected several important transport corridors, raising concerns over the movement of civilians and goods between major population centers.

The latest protests come amid growing public anger over deteriorating economic and living conditions, with fuel prices becoming a major source of immediate pressure on households.

Demonstrations spread across several regions

The increase in fuel prices has emerged as the immediate trigger for demonstrations, but the grievances behind the protests extend beyond the cost of fuel.

Residents are facing rising transportation costs alongside increases in the prices of essential goods and services. Higher fuel costs are also expected to affect the cost of transporting commodities, potentially adding further pressure to already elevated consumer prices. These higher cost come in the backdrop broader economic difficulties, including higher customs fees, increased bread and construction-material prices, declining employment opportunities, and low wages.

Alongside demands for relief from deteriorating living conditions, protesters have also raised calls for accountability for those responsible for violations and crimes.

The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said the continuation and geographical expansion of the protests reflect the scale of the economic and living pressures facing residents.

The Observatory called for the causes of public discontent to be addressed and for responsible dialogue channels to be opened with protesters. It also stressed the need to protect the right to peaceful expression and protest while safeguarding civilians and maintaining the movement of traffic.