Hundreds of oil tanker trucks found themselves stuck in Syria on Wednesday, showcasing a global trend of protests triggered, in part, by escalating fuel costs. The reasons behind each event vary; the truck blockade near Tal Tamr, Syria, is linked to a strategy aimed at transferring formerly self-governing Kurdish entities to the control of the nation’s central authority. However, across diverse locations like Guatemala and the Philippines, surging fuel prices have played a significant role in fueling unrest.
While oil prices experienced a slight dip on Wednesday, they remained above $100 US due to disruptions in Middle East oil supply. Prior to the U.S. and Israel’s strike on Iran in late February, oil prices ranged from $60 to $70 per barrel, dependent on the crude type. Notably, diesel prices, impacted by refining challenges and the Russia-Ukraine conflict, surged by approximately 60% since late February.
In response to the global fuel price surge, Syria raised gasoline prices by more than 25% and diesel by 40% last Sunday, attributing the increase to climbing global fuel costs resulting from the U.S.-Iran conflict and maintenance work at a coastal refinery. Consequently, protests erupted in various areas, notably along the highway connecting Turkey and Syria’s major city, Aleppo.
Guatemala witnessed widespread protests from transport workers, taxi drivers, and Indigenous groups against the mounting fuel prices. By early September, data from the U.S. non-profit ACLED documented 40 demonstrations across 27 cities in Guatemala. The country’s challenges were compounded by higher fuel prices due to Middle East tensions and El Niño-related droughts.
In Bolivia, a combination of fuel shortages and price hikes led to protests and roadblocks staged by labor unions, Indigenous communities, and supporters of former president Evo Morales throughout this year. Similarly, other countries like Portugal, the Philippines, and France have also experienced fuel-related protests, signaling a global trend of dissatisfaction over rising fuel costs.
The situation has escalated in various regions, with organized groups in Guatemala resorting to roadblocks, vehicle fires, violent clashes with law enforcement, and widespread disruption, particularly in the capital city. In France, protesting fishermen blocked an oil depot in Fos-sur-Mer to voice their grievances over the escalating fuel prices and deteriorating working conditions.