Energy & Cost of Living: Syria’s fuel shock is turning into a nationwide industrial headache as diesel prices jumped 40% and petrol 28%, triggering the widest protests since the Assad fall. Crowds blocked highways (including the Damascus–Aleppo M5 corridor), burned tyres, and even stopped crude tankers heading to refineries, while the government calls the hikes “temporary” and links them to global procurement costs and Baniyas refinery overhaul. Oil & Refining Capacity: Authorities say Baniyas maintenance is expected to cut domestic output until capacity returns, helping explain why a country producing oil still faces shortages and higher pump prices. Digital Petroleum Platform: Saudi tech firm Cashin signed a deal with Syria’s energy ministry to build a national “field to bank” digital platform for petroleum derivatives—covering production, transport, storage, distribution, fuel stations, and financial settlement to improve oversight and transparency. Nuclear Safeguards: Syria says it placed 73 tons of natural uranium under IAEA supervision after granting access to the Deir ez-Zor site, framing it as a new chapter of cooperation and transparency. Payments & Trade Infrastructure: Thunes expanded cross-border payouts to Syria and other Middle East markets, aiming to speed local-currency transfers for businesses and consumers.