Syria to Offer Subsidised Diesel for Heating and Farming, Says Energy Minister

Syria will provide subsidised diesel for heating and agricultural use, the country's energy minister, Mohammed al-Bashir, has said, announcing the restart of a set of local refineries to help meet demand.

Speaking at a news conference in Damascus, al-Bashir said the decision covers a number of domestic power refineries with a combined capacity of about 35,000 barrels of crude oil per day. The Syrian Petroleum Company will operate, manage and directly oversee the plants under clear technical and operational standards, he said, to ensure safe operations, quality control of products and reduced environmental impact.

The entire diesel output of those refineries will be set aside for a subsidised product priced at 115 Syrian pounds per litre. It is intended primarily for heating, agriculture and eligible groups receiving subsidies. Distribution will be organised by the Syrian Petroleum Company together with the provinces and relevant authorities so that it reaches those entitled to it.

Al-Bashir said a second grade of diesel had been secured in cooperation with some brotherly countries, with specifications suited to transportation as well as certain productive and service-related uses, and for engineering and heavy machinery. That grade will be priced at 150 Syrian pounds per litre.

Supplies of diesel meeting standard specifications will continue at 175 Syrian pounds per litre, a grade the minister said can be used in modern vehicles.

He described the latest price adjustment as a temporary measure tied to current circumstances, aimed at sustaining supplies and securing petroleum products to meet demand under what he called exceptional conditions. He added that citizens do not view the issue in figures alone, and that any rise in energy prices has a direct effect on their livelihoods and daily lives.