The Rise in Prices in Syrian Markets: A Puzzle Without a Solution

In Syria, prices are soaring at a dizzying pace. In the last ten days alone, the cost of basic goods in markets has jumped as much as 35%, leaving citizens facing yet another economic challenge. Already under heavy financial strain, Syrians are now struggling even more to afford everyday necessities. This relentless rise in prices feels like an unsolvable puzzle, hitting essential items particularly hard, from vegetables and fruits to basic staples.

A visit to Aleppo’s bustling markets shows just how drastic these changes are. Potatoes, known as “the poor’s friend” due to their affordability, are now priced between 12,000 and 15,000 Syrian pounds (€0.85 – €1.06) per kilo. Beans have risen to 27,000 SP (€1.91) per kilo, while garlic has shockingly surpassed 100,000 SP (€7.08) per kilo. Cucumbers now go for 12,000 SP (€0.85), and tomatoes are selling at 7,000 SP (€0.49) per kilo.

Fruit prices are similarly steep, ranging between 15,000 (€1.06) and 35,000 (€2.48) depending on the variety and quality.

The hikes go beyond produce, hitting staple goods as well. Legume prices have risen by 2,000 to 5,000 SP within a week, sugar is now 13,000 SP (€0.92) per kilo, and vegetable oil has climbed to over 30,000 SP (€2.12) per liter, marking a sudden 7,000 SP increase per liter.

On average, prices have shot up between 15 – 30% in just ten days, with some blaming new waves of displaced Syrians and Lebanese returning from Lebanon. Prices also vary wildly depending on the seller, with different stores within the same market – and between urban and rural areas – each setting their own rates.

This chaotic pricing leaves already struggling citizens bearing an even heavier burden. With no regulatory authority stepping in to control the prices, merchants are left unchecked, making it easy for profiteers to take advantage of the situation. As crises continue to intensify, these unchecked conditions allow for further exploitation, with some merchants hoarding goods to drive prices even higher.

Sana’s Story: A Voice of Resilience

Sana, a 20-year-old Syrian girl, was struck by a bomb in Beirut, leaving her with a broken hip and legs. She shares a piece of her story:

“We lived through what we never wanted and ended up with what we didn’t deserve. Every day, we wonder – did we truly deserve this pain, or did we just dream too big? We forgot we live in a world that kills dreams. We’ve survived with patience, but when we were told to let go of what hurts us, we found that the pain was already deep inside us. We’re not weak, and we haven’t given up. But we’re at a point where our energy is drained, and our hearts are out of wishes. We’ve come to realize we’re living the life that’s left to us, not the one we wanted.”