Femena is concerned about the impact of the sharp fuel price increases introduced by the Syrian government on 13 September 2026. The new prices include a 40 percent increase in diesel and increases of up to 28 percent in petrol.
The decision has led to protests, road closures, and transport strikes in several governorates, including Hasakah, Raqqa, Deir ez-Zor, Aleppo, and Idlib. Protesters have called for the decision to be reversed and warned that it will lead to further increases in the cost of transportation, food, heating, electricity, and other basic necessities.
For women, the consequences extend far beyond the price of fuel. Women supporting their families, displaced women, and those working in low-paid or informal jobs are already struggling to meet their basic needs. Higher transportation and household costs will place them under even greater pressure. For women who depend on daily wages, informal work, or small businesses, higher transportation and household costs can reduce their ability to earn an income, sustain their families, and maintain economic independence.
Rising transportation costs may also prevent women and girls from reaching workplaces, schools, healthcare facilities, legal assistance, and services for survivors of gender-based violence. Cost and distance are already significant barriers to accessing these services, particularly for women living in rural areas and displaced communities. Further increases risk leaving more women without the support and protection they need.
Women’s organizations and women human rights defenders may also be affected. Many work with limited resources and rely on transportation to reach communities, provide essential services, document violations, and support women facing violence and discrimination. Rising costs could limit the reach and continuity of this work at a time when the need for it remains urgent.
Women must have a meaningful say in economic decisions that affect their lives and livelihoods. Their experiences, priorities, and proposed solutions as well as those of women-led organizations, must inform any discussion or review of decisions that affect their livelihoods and access to basic rights.
The protests also raise important concerns about freedom of expression and peaceful assembly. People have the right to question government decisions and express their opposition peacefully. Protesters, journalists, civil society activists, and human rights defenders must be able to speak out and document events without intimidation, arbitrary arrest, or retaliation.
Femena calls on the Syrian government to review the fuel price increases and take immediate measures to mitigate their impact on people who cannot afford further increases in the cost of living. These measures must address the particular impact on women, preserve their access to essential services, and include women and women’s rights organizations in decisions concerning Syria’s economic future.