Damascus, April 4 (SANA) – Prices of basic goods in Syrian markets, particularly food items, have seen noticeable fluctuations in recent weeks amid exchange rate volatility and regional tensions, factors that traders and analysts say are adding pressure to household spending and disrupting market activity.
Price increases exceed 20%
During a field survey of markets in Damascus and its countryside on Saturday, several residents said the continued rise in the cost of essential goods has increased the financial strain on families.
Sara Oweir, a shopper interviewed by SANA, said the price surge now affects most products rather than specific items.
“Vegetables, meat and poultry have all become more expensive,” she said, noting that some food items have increased between 12% and 20% over the past two weeks, making it harder for households to cover daily needs.
Daily price fluctuations challenge traders
Traders say unstable exchange rates are complicating pricing decisions.
Merchant Salem al-Halabi said many sellers are now applying what they call a “safety margin” when pricing goods to avoid potential losses.
Even items purchased at lower prices may be sold later at higher rates if replacement costs rise, he said, especially given Syria’s heavy reliance on imported products.
Another trader, Samer Muhmalji, said higher import costs—often paid in foreign currency—make it difficult to stabilize prices.
He added that concerns about potential disruptions to regional supply chains have pushed traders to adopt more cautious pricing strategies.
Exchange rate and regional developments
Economic analyst Mohammad Qouja said the link between exchange rate movements and food prices reflects structural challenges, including weakened local production and damaged infrastructure, which have increased reliance on imports.
He also noted that regional tensions and disruptions to key transport routes have driven up shipping and insurance costs while boosting demand for foreign currency, factors that have contributed to higher prices in Syrian markets.
Qouja stressed the need for coordinated measures to stabilize markets, strengthen domestic production and ease the cost burden on consumers.
He added that the widespread use of pricing “safety margins,” combined with currency instability, often keeps prices elevated even when the exchange rate improves, further eroding purchasing power.
Kh.A
