Syrian Regime Increases Gasoline Prices, Rations Internet Usage

Syrians queue to buy bread from a bakery in Aleppo (File photo: AFP)
Syrians queue to buy bread from a bakery in Aleppo (File photo: AFP)
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Syrian Regime Increases Gasoline Prices, Rations Internet Usage

Syrians queue to buy bread from a bakery in Aleppo (File photo: AFP)
Syrians queue to buy bread from a bakery in Aleppo (File photo: AFP)

The Syrian Ministry of Communications and Technology began Sunday implementing a decision on Internet rationing, which would result in a rise in the costs of usage.

The government also, and without any prior notice, decided to increase the price of gasoline by SYP25/liter all over Syria, reaching SYP250/liter, as the exchange rate of the Syrian pound against the US dollar stands at SYP1030.

Inflation is already high, but observers expressed fears of soaring prices after the hike in the price of gasoline.

In an attempt to appease the country’s poorest and most vulnerable population, a decree was issued on a SYP20,000 increase in the salaries of the families of “martyrs,” the missing and soldiers and policemen suffering from huge disabilities.

Internet usage was rationed, which despite its bad shape,is the only means for Syrians to stay connected amid severe power cuts, a stifling domestic gas crisis, and the deterioration in the purchasing power of more than 85 percent of the Syrian people living below the poverty line.

The Ministry of Communications and Technology began applying the new mechanism for rationing Internet usage by setting a threshold for the use of ADSL. If the user exceeds usage limit, speed is reduced.

Immediately after the announcement of the new mechanism, a storm of criticism erupted.

MP Nabil Saleh warned against its consequences, saying that he, and 10 other parliamentarians, submitted a request to interrogate Minister of Communications Iyad al-Khatib.

Saleh wrote on his Facebook page that the Ministry is looking for profits without heeding the economic and psychological consequences that its decisions would have on the people, who have been suffering from a devastating war, soaring inflation, and the loss of basic necessities and living standards.

Former Minister of Communications Amr Salem responded angrily to Saleh, defending the new decision, saying the law targets users who “unfairly” use the Internet, and exchange hundreds of videos daily.

Saleh failed to collect 10 signatures to question the Minister of Oil for depriving a large segment of the Syrian people from cooking gas. He wasn’t either able to collect enough signatures to interrogate the Minister of Internal Trade for further worsening the people’s difficult living conditions.

But the lawmaker was successful in gathering 10 signatures to interrogate the Minister of Communications over the Internet usage limit.



Britain Offers to Build Surveillance Towers for Lebanon along Israeli Border

A surveillance tower operated by the Lebanese Army and equipped by the United Kingdom, installed on the border with Syria in 2017 (Directorate of Guidance). 
A surveillance tower operated by the Lebanese Army and equipped by the United Kingdom, installed on the border with Syria in 2017 (Directorate of Guidance). 
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Britain Offers to Build Surveillance Towers for Lebanon along Israeli Border

A surveillance tower operated by the Lebanese Army and equipped by the United Kingdom, installed on the border with Syria in 2017 (Directorate of Guidance). 
A surveillance tower operated by the Lebanese Army and equipped by the United Kingdom, installed on the border with Syria in 2017 (Directorate of Guidance). 

The United Kingdom has formally proposed to Lebanon the construction of surveillance towers along the country’s southern border with Israel, aiming to bolster security and stability in the area and support the implementation of UN Security Council Resolution 1701.

According to an official Lebanese source speaking to Asharq Al-Awsat, the initiative mirrors similar towers Britain has installed over the past decade on the Lebanese-Syrian frontier.

The Lebanese Army currently maintains a presence alongside UN peacekeeping forces (UNIFIL) deployed in the south. Beirut remains committed to renewing UNIFIL’s mandate and has pledged to station 10,000 troops along the border. However, Lebanese officials argue that Israel’s continued occupation of at least five positions inside Lebanese territory prevents the army from completing its full deployment.

The British offer was conveyed during the visit of UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy to Beirut last Saturday. Well-informed government sources indicated that London proposed extending the network of observation towers it previously erected in northern and eastern Lebanon to the southern frontier with Israel. Under the plan, the towers would be handed over to the Lebanese Army to enhance its monitoring capabilities and reinforce stability in the border region.

According to the sources, Lebanon did not reject the proposal outright but informed the British side that any practical discussions would need to be preceded by efforts to secure a lasting ceasefire, end Israeli violations, and ensure the withdrawal of Israeli forces from occupied positions. Officials stressed that the border area requires calm, security guarantees, and a clear Israeli pullback before any new measures can move forward amid the current tensions.

The UK diplomatic mission in Beirut did not confirm or deny the information. A spokesperson for the British Embassy said Britain maintains a strong and longstanding partnership with the Lebanese Army and is committed to supporting the Lebanese government’s efforts to build security and stability. The spokesperson emphasized that the UK views the Lebanese Army as the sole legitimate military force of the state.

Since 2012, Britain has provided more than £115 million in support to the Lebanese military, including infrastructure, vehicles, training, equipment, and the establishment of border regiments.

During his visit, Lammy was received at Baabda Palace by Lebanese President Joseph Aoun, who expressed appreciation for Britain’s continued backing.

According to a statement from the presidency, Aoun welcomed any assistance that could help reinforce stability on the southern border and enable cooperation between the army and international forces.

He also called for diplomatic pressure on Israel to withdraw its troops, provide assurances against renewed aggression, and fully comply with Resolution 1701.