The Rising Cost of Living in Aleppo

Since the start of last Ramadan, people in Aleppo have been dealing with a sharp rise in the cost of living. While prices usually go up during Ramadan because demand increases, this time the situation has been different. Prices didn’t drop afterward—in fact, they’ve stayed high or even continued to rise, putting more pressure on families who were already struggling.

During Ramadan, it’s normal for markets to get busier, especially for basic food items. But unlike previous years, things didn’t settle down once the month ended. Instead, the high prices stuck around, which suggests the problem goes beyond seasonal demand and points to deeper economic issues.

Part of the reason is the wider instability in the region, including tensions involving Iran. Even though these events aren’t happening directly in Aleppo, they still affect Syria’s economy. Supply chains get disrupted, fuel and transportation costs go up, and that drives prices higher across the board. As a result, local markets have become very sensitive to what’s happening outside the country.

At the same time, Syria’s own economic challenges are making things worse. The currency keeps losing value, local production is limited, and market regulation is weak. Because of all this uncertainty, traders often raise prices early, expecting shortages or further instability. This only adds to the problem and keeps prices climbing.

The poultry sector is a clear example. Chicken used to be one of the most affordable sources of protein, but now it’s becoming expensive for many families. The cost of feed, fuel, and veterinary supplies—most of which are imported—has gone up a lot. On top of that, many small farmers have had to cut back or stop production altogether because they can’t afford the losses, which reduces supply and pushes prices even higher.

Even Aleppo’s historic markets reflect this struggle. Once full of life and activity, they now operate under tough conditions shaped by years of conflict and ongoing economic hardship.

In the end, what’s happening in Aleppo isn’t just a temporary spike in prices. It’s the result of a mix of local economic weakness and regional tensions. Unless there are real improvements—especially in stabilizing the economy and supporting local production—people will likely continue to feel the strain in their daily lives.