Syria beefs up gas production

Prices on Syria’s black market at 5 times higher than before Damascus - George Al Shami The Syrian government has announced its intention to distribute 60,000 barrels of natural gas daily, in attempts to ease a growing fuel crisis. The general manager of the Syrian company responsible for the storage and distribution of petroleum products, Nazim Khadaj, said: “The directorate completed maintenance necessary for resuming production in Adra.” The northeastern facility was damaged after clashes between opposition forces and the Syrian army. “Markets in Damascus will now see 60,000 new cylinders being pumped daily, in a attempt to reach a breakthrough in the availability of gas,” Khadaj claimed. Mobile laboratories would also be established to fill barrels in Damascus. Deputy Prime Minister for Economic Affairs, Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Kadri Jamil has approved new gas filling stations in Damascus. The government is still considering submissions, he said. Syria’s gas crisis reached its worst level last February when gas prices on the burgeoning black market rose above $25, five times higher than its normal $5 price.