Protesters in Qamishli demand cheaper fuel and reliable electricity

QAMISHLI, Syria — Residents in the northeastern Syrian city of Qamishli took to the streets on Sunday to protest rising fuel prices and deteriorating electricity services. Demonstrators burned tires and blocked main roads, drawing shopkeepers and local residents into the action. Protesters called for lower diesel prices, a stable electricity supply and improved basic services. The price of diesel on the free market recently rose from 55 to 75 U.S. cents per liter, and disruptions to diesel allocated to the service sector have pushed up costs for food, bread and transportation, according to residents. One protester, Sirvan al-Sheikhi, said the electricity cuts and diesel shortage were also hurting students preparing for exams, and called on the Syrian government and the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) to coordinate a response. Demonstrators said they expected to expand the protests in the coming days and urged authorities to act immediately. No official response was reported.