DAMASCUS – Syria’s petroleum ministry on Sunday blamed U.S. sanctions for forcing it to cut by up to 24% its distribution of fuel and diesel because of delays in arrival of needed supplies.The war-ravaged nation already is facing a severe economic crisis that has caused major shortages in wheat and fuel products.
Long lines have formed outside of gas stations and bakeries as the government rationed what it has, further deepening the crunch felt by Syrians.
The economic hardship has only intensified during the pandemic, with restrictions designed to limit the spread of coronavirus and tighter U.S.
and western sanctions against the government of President Bashar Assad, who remains in office despite a crushing 10-year civil war.The U.S.