Residents of Damascus are experiencing a notable improvement in electricity supply, with state-provided power now reaching five to six hours of uninterrupted service daily . This shift comes as the city braces for the sweltering summer heat,where temperatures can soar into the high 30s Celsius (nearly 100°F).
Despite the enhancements,many locals express frustration over the costs associated with energy,particularly alternative sources like solar power. Nasri Tadros,who runs a small shop in central Damascus,relies on three generators and battery-operated devices to keep his business running. He highlighted the necessity of electricity, stating, “Nothing can work without electricity.”
Historically, the electricity situation in Syria has been dire . Under the long-standing rule of Assad family,the country’s infrastructure deteriorated significantly. The civil war,which erupted in 2011, exacerbated these issues, leading to severe shortages and reliance on makeshift solutions like diesel generators and solar panels.
As of 2023, the International Energy Agency reported that Syria's electricity generation was heavily reliant on fossil fuels, with 52 percent sourced from natural gas and nearly 45 percent from oil . Hydropower contributed a mere 3 percent, while solar energy was virtually nonexistent.
In June 2025, the World Bank approved a $146 million grant aimed at revitalizing Syria's electricity sector. This funding is part of broader efforts to reconstruct the country following the Assad regime's collapse in late 2024,which was met with widespread relief among the populace.
The new government,led by President Ahmed al-Sharaa, has taken control of the country’s largest oil-producing region in northeast Syria, previously held by Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF). The area,which produced around 10,000 barrels of oil per day during war,now has output levels nearing 100,000 barrels daily, with projections suggesting it could reach up to 200,000 barrels by year’s end.
In addition to domestic production, Syrian government has secured gas import agreements with nations such as Azerbaijan,Jordan,and Egypt. A significant $7 billion energy deal was also finalized in May 2025, involving Qatari, Turkish, and U.S. firms. These developments have been facilitated by a relaxation of Western sanctions,which has been a key focus for the new administration.
However,the challenges are far from over. Many residents,while acknowledging the improvements,point to the high costs associated with energy. A shop owner,who chose to remain anonymous due to his critical views of the government,remarked,“I would be lying if I said electricity was not improving. But it’s expensive.”
Solar panels have become more common in the city,yet initial investment remains prohibitive for many families. With approximately 90 percent of Syrians living below poverty line, affordable access to energy remains significant hurdle.
Fuel shortages continue to plague the nation, leading to long queues at petrol stations. In response, the energy minister announced on Saturday that diesel and petrol supplies would be increased,and distribution efforts would be accelerated.
Internal issues within the Syrian Petroleum Company have also been reported, with tensions between the CEO and the board creating bureaucratic obstacles to progress. John Calabrese,a nonresident senior fellow at the Middle East Institute,noted that these governance issues hinder further advancements in energy sector.
Back at his shop,Tadros expressed his frustration with energy situation. “In the first world, electricity is a right,” he said, his voice filled with emotion. “Here, it is dream.”
