Reporting by Abdul Karim Ayoub
(Eqtsad)- Losing gas-rich territory to ISIS favor last week along with the historic city of Palmyra in the eastern countryside of Homs province has made the pro-regime areas unable to carry new economic burdens due to the hike in fuel and gas prices.
Fuel prices have soared once news about controlling gas fields in Eastern countryside of Homs were published. One cylinder of gas became for SYP 4000 in regime-held areas, and reached to SYP. 10,000 in Northern countryside of Homs.
“Price of Gas has increased straight away once we heard the news about Palmyra battle, although gas is stored before, and there is nothing to arrive in future”, Abo Khalil, a gas store owner said.
Y.S, an employee in Homs refinery told Eqtsad that controlling the gas field of al-Shaer, Maher and Jazal has deprived Homs refinery from providing gas cylinders, which would be big problem if regime has not reach to an agreement with ISIS.
Electricity rationing periods have increased, as electricity stations lost their ability to generate enough electricity due to inability of the regime to provide stations with needed gas. Rationing hours reached in Homs city to 12 hours off electricity against one hour on. In some areas of Damascus city, rationing lasts for 20 hours.
The regime’s Ministry of Oil and Mineral Wealth announced that three trucks of liquid gas would arrive next week to cover the shortage of gas, without mentioning the source or exact time.
Last Saturday, the Islamic State started heavy attack on Eastern countryside of homs and the historic city of Palmyra, by Monday it completely controlled Palmyra city and gas field of al-Shaer, Maher and Jazal.
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