Fuel crisis rocks NE Syria after Turkish strikes on oil facilities
QAMISHLI, Syria (North Press) – The Turkish airstrikes on oil facilities in northeastern Syria over the past week have brought about a severe shortage of fuel in the city of Qamishli and other areas in the region, causing overcrowding at gas stations.
Abeer Khaled, Co-chair of the General Directorate of Fuel, affiliated with the Autonomous Administration of North and East Syria (AANES), stated on Jan. 18 that the majority of energy facilities in the region have been destroyed due to the Turkish airstrikes.
She emphasized the urgent need for international support to repair the damage caused by the airstrikes and secure the needs of the population.
Hamza Othman, a teacher from Qamishli, informed North Press on Jan. 18 that people are struggling to obtain fuel after the Turkish attacks.
He said, “It has been 10 days since I ran out of gasoline and I am unable to stand in long queues for hours. I cannot leave my work just to obtain a small amount of gasoline.”
Kawa Muhammad, owner of al-Jazira gas station in the city of Qamishli, stated that the Turkish attacks on oil facilities have caused a severe shortage of fuel, directly affecting the region.
He further informed North Press that their fuel supplies have decreased by 80 percent.
Muhammad added that some people wait for 15 hours, even though they might not receive any gasoline or diesel.
Abeer Khaled said that all high-quality oil facilities which easily refine oil have been completely destroyed, and that the remaining ones are low-quality refineries.