PROTESTS erupted across Syria on Sunday after the jihadist-led government increased fuel prices.

The government raised fuel prices on Sunday by up to 40 per cent on diesel and 28 per cent on petrol in what it described a “temporary” move because of soaring global costs.

Syria’s government also said the critical Baniyas refinery will raise production capacity from 80,000 to 130,000 barrels per day.

Protests were reported in Hama, Khan Sheikhoun and Maarat al-Numan. 

Social media footage shows crowds gathering on the street and burning tyres. The price increases also prompted fierce debate on social media.

The country is currently producing about 102,000 barrels of oil per day, while it needs about 325,000 barrels per day for domestic consumption and is relying on imports to make up the difference, Syrian Energy Minister Mohammed al-Bashir said on Saturday.

The Syrian Ministry of Energy said that it would continue to review prices as global market conditions change and would work over the long term to expand refining and storage capacity, according to the Syrian Arab News Agency.

Syria’s fuel supplies are key to the country’s economic recovery as it seeks to rebuild after 14 years of war.