Damascus struggles with soaring transport costs amid fuel shortages

Syrians in Damascus are grappling with skyrocketing transportation costs as fuel shortages leave buses and taxis struggling to operate.

Public transportation in Damascus has become increasingly difficult, with severe shortages of diesel and gasoline driving up costs. Passengers and transport operators say the crisis has paralysed movement across the city.

Suleiman Al-Jayari, head of a private transportation company, explained the root of the problem:
"Why has it become expensive? Because we cannot secure mazut (diesel), the mazut has paralysed our movement. If mazut was provided, the situation of passengers would be normal and very good.”

Passengers, however, are bearing the brunt of rising prices. Aminah Al-Riz shared her frustration, noting how fares have soared.
"Travel has become more expensive; I came with 43,000 Syrian pounds ($3.44), and now it is 150,000 ($12).”

Taxi drivers face similar struggles. With fuel availability unpredictable, prices remain unstable. A local taxi driver, Tawfiq, highlighted the challenge:
"Because there is no fuel. We struggle to get it and there is no set price.”

As fuel shortages persist, residents are left searching for solutions to ease their daily commutes. Damascus continues to rebuild after years of conflict, but for many, the growing costs are yet another obstacle in their daily lives.

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