Protests erupted across Syria on Sept. 13 after the government issued a decree sharply raising fuel prices. In the oil-producing provinces of Hasakah and Deir ez-Zor, local residents blocked roads with burning tires to prevent tanker trucks from passing. Protests were also reported from Raqqa, Aleppo, Idlib and Daraa. Demonstrators are demanding the dismissal of Energy Minister Mohammed al-Bashir, who has been summoned to appear before parliament to discuss the crisis.

The transitional government of President Ahmed al-Sharaa increased the minimum wage by 550% in March, as part of a broader recovery plan for the country, but harsh privation remains widespread. (EuroNews, Global Post, Enab Baladi)