Fuel shortage may cause industrial facilities to stop in Syria’s Raqqa
RAQQA, Syria (North Press) – Factories and industrial facilities in the city of Raqqa, north Syria, may stop operating due to shortage of fuel, Chamber of Industry of the Raqqa Civil Council warned on Wednesday.
“The factories and industrial facilities are facing a significant shortage of diesel allocations for their generators through which they operate their facilities,” Abdullah Rasho, head of the Raqqa Chamber of Industry, said.
“Ignoring the disaster that may afflict the industrial sector is a serious matter that threatens the city’s economy, with the possibility that these facilities may stop operating due to the high cost of diesel and its unavailability at the subsidized price,” he added.
Raqqa city and its countryside contain 240 factories and industrial facilities, which manufacture foodstuff, plastic and chemical industries and ready-made garment workshops.
The Chamber of Industry decided to hold a meeting of the owners of factories and industrial facilities to inform those responsible in the Autonomous Administration and the Raqqa Civil Council about the reality.
The price of a 220-liter-barrel of diesel exceeded 150,000 SYP (about $50) in the black market in the city of Raqqa, while its subsidized price for industrialists is 99,000 SYP (about $30).
Rasho pointed out that factory owners are looking for a way to convey their voice, and there may be a protest or a strike.
The Fuel Directorate in Raqqa demanded the industrialists continue to work during the whole month, despite the fact that the quantity provided by the directorate is only enough for four days.