Residents of as-Suwayda fear the lack of heating fuel as winter approaches

As-Suwayda – North-Press Agency
Jibran Marouf 

As-Suwayda residents are waiting for the distribution of heating fuel (diesel), as temperatures begin to decrease and the winter approaches, amid fears that they will live the same suffering time they experienced last year.
The lack of fuel forced many families to log their trees, including those who ignited the plastic and used clothes, the matter increased their suffering.

Mismatched accounts 
“Since last August we have been talking about winter and how to face the cold, and whether diesel will be available or not, where people are trading fuel prices on the black market”, Muhannad Brik, an employee in as-Suwayda told North-Press.
He added: “We became pessimistic that the fuel directorate will distribute 400 liters of diesel, including 200 for this September and 200 liters at the beginning of next year, but they retreated and amended the decision to become only 100 liters this month”.
The government employee stated that: “This quantity isn’t enough for one family until the beginning of next year, if the family is going to light a single stove where students, families and guests gather, they will need five liters per day at least”.
According to the employee, this small calculation means that during November and December a family needs about 300 liters.

Different needs 
While Bassam Muhanna told North-Press: “The distribution of diesel started in the most difficult month of the year, it was Eid al-Adha, the start of the new school year and the preparation for winter food, and all this needs money”. 
He confirmed that 100 liters of diesel costs about 18,500 SYP and 100 liters aren’t enough for a family for more than 20 days, while the salary of ab employee is usually about 30,000 – 40,000 SYP.
Muhanna added that, “150 liters of diesel may be enough for a family in the western and southern countryside of as-Suwayda at a minimum, but in the eastern and southeastern countryside, the amount cannot suffice, because of the severe cold in those areas, since they have begun to wear coats and winter clothes from the beginning of this month”.

Distrust of the government
Fadi Shaer expressed his distrust of the government’s distribution of 400 liters of diesel to each family, telling North-Press that, last year only 150 liters were distributed out of the specified quantity, describing the government as “eating the rest of the quota”.
He confirmed that the price of a liter of diesel had reached 1,000 SYP in the days of snow last winter, expressing his fears of experiencing a worse situation than it was last year.
In order to take precautionary measures, residents began collecting firewood from the lands surrounding the city. They collected cardboard and sawdust, knead them with burned oil, and spread them in the sun until they are dry, and then store them in a place reserved for firewood.

Buying portions 
Imad Halah offered to buy portions of his acquaintances for 5,000 SYP saying that, this is more economical than buying diesel from street vendors in the winter.
“Today, fuel dealers are active in buying diesel fuel portions, and there are those who play the role of a broker, where you see them pay 500 SYP for each card. 
In the face of all these fears of a harsh winter, the lack of fuel, heating materials and the distrust in the decisions of the Syrian government, the problem of diesel and heating resources continue to plague the population, while there is no glimmer of hope to resolve this crisis.