Idlib faces gasoline shortage ahead of Eid al-Adha
QAMISHLI, Syria (North Press) – Areas under the control of Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) in northwest Syria are witnessing a gasoline shortage as Eid al-Adha approaches. Long queues of cars and motorcycles have been waiting outside gas stations since Saturday.
According to an official source in General Directorate of Petroleum Derivatives, affiliated with the HTS’ Salvation Government, the gasoline shortage is caused by a halt of Turkish imports to the area. Shipments are set to resume in the next two days.
Some dealers have started to hoard gasoline, trying to take advantage of the situation to rake in large profits, as regulating authorities turn a blind eye.
On October 28, 2022, the HTS-affiliated Watad Petroleum Company, which had monopolized fuel market in northwest Syria for years, announced the complete halt of its work in HTS-held areas. HTS announced back then the names of five other companies which it said would assume the responsibilities of Watad.
According to the official, northwest Syria needs at least 150,000 liters of imported gasoline a day.
“Despite the dissolution of Watad and the adoption of five other licensed companies with the aim of providing appropriate quantities and prices that support citizens in the region, fuel crises have been recurring in northwest Syria,” he said.