‘We Don’t Want Roundabouts, Malls’: Protests Erupt Across Globe Over Rising Fuel Prices Amid Iran War

Last Updated:September 16, 2026, 2:12 PM IST

Oil prices surged above the USD 100 per barrel mark last week as the United States struck Iranian oil tankers transiting the Strait of Hormuz

Syrians protest against rising fuel prices driven by Iran war (Image credit: REUTERS)

As the US-Iran war entered its seventh month, protesters across the globe descended into the streets to voice their outrage over skyrocketing fuel prices driven by disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz as escalations in the region continued.

Oil prices surged above the USD 100 per barrel mark last week as the United States struck Iranian oil tankers transiting the Strait of Hormuz and the Houthis threatened shipping in the Bab al-Mandab Strait, one of the world’s most important shipping straits.

The war in West Asia began on February 28, when the US-Israel alliance launched joint strikes on Iran and killed its Supreme Leader, Ali Khamenei. Tehran retaliated by striking US-linked facilities and energy infrastructure across the Gulf, and subsequently blocking the strategic Strait of Hormuz.

The rising energy prices across the world raises the alarm for households that rely on heating oil to keep warm in the winter, as experts predict a 30 per cent jump in prices amid the war, CNN reported.

For less wealthy nations, the consequences are being borne by common people, who are paying higher prices for oil and gas.

Protests In Syria, Portugal

In Syria, protestors burned tires on a busy highway as they raised their voice over the surging energy prices around the globe. In Guatemala, they blocked roads, seeking immediate government action. And in Portugal, local business leaders and workers began a march to the Prime Minister’s residence, according to CNN.

Syria saw its largest demonstration over the weekend since the fall of the Assad regime two years ago.

Diesel prices rose to 175 Syrian pounds (USD 1.43 per litre), marking a 40 per cent increase, Syrian news agency A LOT reported. The government increased the gas prices by more than 25 per cent.

According to the Syrian Energy Ministry, the rise in prices was driven by surging global fuel prices and ongoing maintenance at the country’s largest refinery, Baniyas.

Videos filmed by news agency Reuters showed people burning tires and raising slogans, seeking government intervention in the matter.

“All those present here want a reduction in diesel prices. We don’t want higher wages, we want cheaper (fuel),” one Syrian protester, Yasser Salim, told Reuters.

Another protester, Bassam al-Ali, said that the government should focus on basic necessities of the common people rather than spending on malls and roundabouts.

“We do not want roundabouts, every day they (the government) build a new roundabout that costs a million thousand dollars, and malls and I don’t know what … Your people were with you, is still with you now and will remain with you – but this will let things explode.”

Similar protests were witnessed in France and Philippines, where common people took to streets to protest against the rising fuel prices.

Houthis’ Attack On Saudi Arabia

The Houthis’ attack on Saudi Arabia over the past days is yet another round of escalation that has thrown West Asia into turmoil.

Aside from strikes on targets across the Kingdom, the Houthis have seized control of parts of Yemen’s Red Sea coast overlooking the Bab el-Mandeb. Riyadh used this route to ship crude oil to global markets, specifically as an alternative to bypass the blocked Strait of Hormuz.

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What caused the global surge in oil prices during the US-Iran war?

The surge in oil prices, which rose above USD 100 per barrel, was driven by disruptions in the strategic Strait of Hormuz after the US struck Iranian oil tankers and the Houthis threatened shipping in the Bab al-Mandeb Strait. The conflict began on February 28, 2026, when the US-Israel alliance launched joint strikes on Iran, leading Tehran to retaliate by striking energy infrastructure and blocking the Strait of Hormuz.

Why did fuel prices increase in Syria and what was the public reaction?

Syria increased diesel prices by 40 percent to 175 Syrian pounds and gas prices by over 25 percent due to rising global fuel costs and maintenance at its largest refinery, Baniyas. This triggered Syria’s largest demonstrations since the fall of the Assad regime two years prior, with protesters blocking highways, burning tires, and demanding cheaper fuel instead of government spending on malls and roundabouts.

Which countries experienced protests over rising fuel costs during the conflict?

Protests over skyrocketing fuel prices erupted globally, with demonstrations and road blocks occurring in Syria, Guatemala, Portugal, France, and the Philippines. Additionally, major protests and clashes between security forces and demonstrators over rising fuel costs were reported in Kenya and Ireland.

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Meemansa ShekhawatSub-editor

A Journalism graduate, Meemansa Shekhawat is a sub-editor at News18. Driven by a keen interest in news, she is a passionate writer with specialisation in national and international affairs. You can re…Read More

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