Syria protests erupt as fuel prices soar by 40%

Protests have erupted across Syria following a sharp increase in fuel prices, in the country’s most widespread demonstrations since the overthrow of Bashar al-Assad nearly two years ago.Demonstrators burned tyres and blocked major roads, including the highway connecting the capital, Damascus, with the industrial city of Aleppo.The protests followed the government’s decision on Saturday to raise diesel prices by 40% to 175 Syrian pounds ($1.32) per litre.The government also increased