Syrian People’s Assembly to Question Energy Minister After Fuel Price Hikes

Al-Taj News –

Public protests over rising fuel prices have reached the Syrian People’s Assembly, whose bureau approved a hearing for Energy Minister Mohammed Al-Bashir to discuss the new fuel price schedule.

The session was requested by the head of the Assembly’s Energy Committee, with the aim of hearing the ministry’s reasons for the price increases and the circumstances that led to them.

The session is expected to be held next Thursday at 12 noon at the headquarters of the People’s Assembly, pursuant to Article “30” of the Constitutional Declaration and in accordance with Article “168” of the Assembly’s internal regulations.

The Assembly pointed to the sensitivity of this issue, which directly affects citizens’ lives and livelihoods.

Commenting on the recent protests and their escalation to an unprecedented level, People’s Assembly member Rozina Al-Ladqani wrote on Instagram: “As members of the People’s Assembly, and out of our responsibility toward the people, we will hold hearings on the decision to increase fuel prices and examine the repercussions of this decision on their lives and livelihoods.”

She added: “We all want Syria to overcome this stage, and this can only be achieved when citizens feel that their voices are being heard.”

It is noteworthy that the angry protests over rising fuel prices are the largest of their kind against the current Syrian government since it came to power less than two years ago. The government is attempting to contain them by saying that the price increases are temporary and linked to the ongoing regional political and field developments amid the current war between the United States and Iran.

There are also reports of an imminent cabinet reshuffle in Syria, mainly linked to the deteriorating living conditions in the country.