War-torn Syria rations fuel amid ongoing closure of Suez Canal

Blockage of the Suez Canal by stranded ship impacts oil imports to beleaguered Syria, already suffering fuel shortages.

The Syrian government has started rationing the distribution of fuel in the country amid concerns that shipments could be delayed because Egypt’s Suez Canal is being blocked by a giant cargo ship that ran aground, according to the oil ministry. The blockage has held up a ship that was carrying fuel and oil products from Iran, an ally of the Syrian government, the Syrian oil ministry said on Saturday. Pending a resolution, “the ministry is rationing the distribution of available oil products” to ensure the continuity of essential services, such as bakeries and hospitals, the ministry statement said.