Firewood tips the balance in rural areas

Mousa al-Zaabi, a teacher in the town of Muzayrib (in the western countryside of Daraa province, southern Syria), decided to install a wood heater instead of a diesel one because it gives him more warmth, especially since he lives in a top-floor apartment exposed on the western side, which makes his home colder than others.

He added that he is used to installing a wood heater in the madafa (guest room) where he gathers every evening with his friends, noting that “the sight of burning wood gives our evenings a special character and a different kind of warmth.”

By contrast, Jabr al-Hussein made the opposite choice after years of using firewood, deciding to go back to a diesel heater because his wife developed a sensitivity to smoke.

He pointed out that the cost of diesel and wood has become close, with a liter of diesel reaching around 9,000 Syrian pounds (about 0.75 US dollars) and a kilo of firewood around 3,500 pounds (about 0.30 US dollars). However, firewood consumption is higher, which makes it more expensive by the end of the season.

Jabr needs 500 liters of diesel, costing more than 4.5 million Syrian pounds (around 375 US dollars), while his home would need a quantity of firewood worth nearly 5 million pounds (around 415 US dollars).

According to Jabr, other options in Daraa are almost non-existent. Residents rule out gas heating because the price of a cylinder has reached 120,000 Syrian pounds (about 10 US dollars), and electricity is not considered a reliable option due to frequent power cuts and low voltage.

The same problem is repeated in central and northern regions in different forms. According to Enab Baladi’s correspondents in Aleppo and Homs provinces (in northern and central Syria), most residents are turning to diesel heaters after the drop in oil derivative prices, which has made diesel a “more realistic” option compared with previous winters.

Nevertheless, part of the population is still attached to wood heaters, either because they are cheaper in some outlying neighborhoods or because they are the familiar source of heating and provide steady warmth amid ongoing power cuts.

Some residents attribute this choice to the availability of firewood in surrounding villages and the possibility of buying it in small batches, which eases the financial pressure on families that cannot afford to purchase fuel in one lump sum.

In the same context, Enab Baladi’s correspondent in the Syrian coastal region reported that rural residents there still rely on firewood at rates exceeding 90 percent, given the intense cold in winter and the availability of wood, which makes any other means ineffective in meeting their heating needs.

In addition to firewood, people also use what is known as tamez al-zaytoun, the remains of pressed olives after extraction. It is processed using traditional methods and used as fuel in specially designed heaters.

Due to humidity, coastal cities near the sea are warmer than the countryside, and residents there make do with other heating methods, depending on their purchasing power.

Pistachio shells, the cheapest new “winter trend” in Aleppo

Abdulqader Traboulsi, a resident of the Salah al-Din neighborhood (in Aleppo city, northern Syria), believes that the availability of diesel has not significantly changed people’s reality.

He told Enab Baladi that families used to rely on small, subsidized quantities, whereas today the main obstacle is the price. A liter of diesel has exceeded a ceiling most residents cannot afford, especially since a family needs dozens of liters each month just to heat a single room.

Most families now buy only what their daily income allows, which makes relying on diesel an option that does not provide genuine warmth throughout winter.

For her part, Ghalia Masri, a resident of the al-Mashhad neighborhood (in Aleppo city), said that gas has become an alternative heating option in some homes, particularly for families that already own an old gas heater.

A gas cylinder now costs around 135,000 Syrian pounds (around 11 US dollars), and a family needs at least two cylinders a month (about 22 US dollars in total) to secure acceptable heating, according to Ghalia.

A third option has emerged strongly this year in Aleppo’s markets, pistachio shell heaters, which residents are turning to in search of a relatively cheaper heating method.

Bashir Qallaji, a resident of the al-Zahraa Association neighborhood (in western Aleppo city), said that the heater’s price is around 120 US dollars, while a ton of shells costs about 240 dollars, which makes it a medium-cost option compared with diesel or gas.

He added that this type of heating is still uncommon in working-class neighborhoods due to the initial cost of the heater itself, but it has become widespread in some western districts of the city.

While electric heaters were an option for some families in previous years, the decision to raise household electricity prices has now turned them into “the last resort” and perhaps the least realistic option, because the number of power-supply hours across Aleppo is low and does not exceed eight hours a day at best.

Residents’ testimonies agree that electric heating now consumes a large share of the monthly income, which pushes most people to avoid using it except in cases of absolute necessity.

A different picture in Deir Ezzor

The situation appears more complicated in Deir Ezzor province (in eastern Syria), according to what Nuha Aziz al-Hammadi reported. Families there suffer from high diesel prices in the city, which drives many to bring it in from the al-Jazira region (in northeastern Syria), where it is cheaper and can be stored in reasonable quantities.

Nuha said that the price of a kilo of firewood has reached around 3,500 Syrian pounds (about 0.30 US dollars), which makes diesel brought in from al-Jazira “relatively cheaper” for those who can afford to secure it.

She added that the availability of firewood depends on the daily market supply, while diesel requires greater financial capacity at the time of purchase. As a result, the choice between them is balanced according to the family’s income and ability to store fuel.

Taleen al-Saleh offers a complementary picture, noting that some families have turned to wood heating, while others use second-hand clothes (bala) as fuel because of the high price of locally produced diesel, which is around 9,000 Syrian pounds (about 0.75 US dollars) per liter.

She said that diesel coming from al-Jazira, although cheaper at about 6,000 pounds (about 0.50 US dollars) per liter, is not a viable option for everyone, as it is difficult to ensure its delivery to homes, in addition to its “unpleasant” smell.

In her view, low wages and weak purchasing power are “the main cause of people’s suffering when it comes to deciding how to heat their homes.” Many do not have the luxury of weighing options and are forced instead to use whatever is within reach, regardless of its quality or efficiency.

While Syrians’ choices differ from one area to another and according to their means, what they share is a reliance on short-term, stopgap solutions amid the absence of a clear energy policy that would ease the burden on citizens or offer sustainable alternatives.

Winter in Syria’s camps, between bitter cold and scrap fuel

With the onset of winter, the heating crisis in camps in northern Syria returns to the forefront as one of the most acute challenges linking poverty, cold, and the near-total absence of relief support.

While heating methods in cities are varied and new options keep emerging, the reality inside the camps is completely different, shaped not by choice but by necessity, and not by prices but by whatever flammable leftovers people can find.

Winter in the camps turns into a season of survival. The familiar ritual of families gathering around a heater disappears. Heating becomes a daily battle against the cold, against the stench of burning, and against the constant fear that a tent could go up in flames in a matter of seconds.

Cold without support

In Mazraat Shuaiha camp in the countryside of al-Bab (in the eastern countryside of Aleppo province, northern Syria), temperatures drop quickly at the beginning of winter, while the severity of the crisis facing hundreds of displaced people rises. This year, they have been left without any real source of heating. The usual deliveries of coal never arrived, and no organization has distributed winter aid as in previous years.

Ali al-Asseini, one of the residents of Mazraat Shuaiha camp, told Enab Baladi that this winter is the worst for camp families, as even the simplest heating methods they previously relied on have disappeared.

In past years, the camp received support from some organizations that distributed limited quantities of coal to families, with each household getting several bags before winter. This support no longer exists this year, which has increased residents’ suffering.

“The coal that used to be the main heating source for dozens of families is no longer available at all this year, leaving households to face the cold with no safe alternatives.”

Ali al-Asseini, a resident of Mazraat Shuaiha camp

Ali added that the overall situation inside the camp is dire. With many families unable to move elsewhere, heating has become a need with no means to meet it.

For his part, Youssef Faisal Haj Sheikh, also a resident of the camp, said that winter poses a major challenge for families living there.

Youssef told Enab Baladi that most residents do not have adequate heating means and that conditions in the camp remain poor due to the absence of basic services that could help provide warmth.

For Youssef, the crisis is no longer tied to a specific season but to a general situation that worsens every year as support declines. Families are left with no option but to wait for aid or face the cold with rudimentary methods.

Waste and plastic as an alternative

In al-Zaytoun camp near the city of Azaz (north of Aleppo in northern Syria), the same scenes are repeated but with greater intensity. There, people do not only speak about the absence of fuel, but also about heating methods that threaten their lives every day.

Hossam al-Khalaf, a resident of al-Zaytoun camp, said that the reality of heating there this winter is harsher than words can describe.

“Families are forced to collect flammable materials from waste, such as plastic and bits of wood, in an attempt to secure warmth.”

Hossam al-Khalaf, a resident of al-Zaytoun camp

Some residents also resort to using fuel oil siphoned from fuel stations, or burning used oils, which makes the air in the camp heavily polluted, especially at night, and poses a health risk to residents, particularly children and the elderly.

The smell of burning inside the tents suffocates residents before it provides any warmth. Most of the materials used, from plastic to used oils, release toxic smoke in cramped spaces that lack proper ventilation.

Conditions were somewhat less severe in previous years, when coal consignments reached the camp and were distributed to families as a basic source of heating. This winter, however, support has stopped completely, leaving families with two harsh choices, facing the biting cold or being exposed to toxic smoke, with no safe solutions available, according to Hossam.

With winter distribution programs halted, displaced people this year have been forced to “recycle” whatever materials they can find around them and turn them into “fuel”, even though these methods provide only partial warmth and carry serious health risks, burning their lungs more than they warm their bodies.

Ahmed al-Mohammad al-Hussein, from Bira Kaftin camp in the northern countryside of Idlib (northern Syria), said that the situation this winter is extremely difficult, as no aid or support to provide heating for families has arrived so far.

“Children in Bira Kaftin camp are forced to collect cardboard and plastic from streets, alleyways, and garbage to burn for warmth, while families try to fight the cold by wrapping themselves in blankets.”

Ahmed al-Mohammad al-Hussein, from Bira Kaftin camp in northern Idlib countryside

Ahmed added that there is an urgent need to provide suitable heating means, whether firewood, nutshells, or any other alternatives, along with emergency support to help families cope with the harsh weather. The absence of any assistance leaves camp residents facing a double ordeal, the bitter cold and the smoke produced by burning unsafe alternative materials.

Energy price disparities shape Syrians’ choices

Diesel heaters back on top

Markets specializing in selling heaters of all kinds are seeing growing demand for diesel heaters over wood, gas, and electric ones, according to what Enab Baladiobserved during a visit to the Souq al-Manakhliya and al-Marja markets in central Damascus.

According to traders, the drop in diesel prices and its better availability compared with last year has made this type of heater the most practical and healthiest option for Syrian families, especially after the price of alternatives has risen, while diesel heaters still come with relatively reasonable costs for consumers.

A representative of the Najm al-Din Sharaf heating company said that sales of diesel heaters have risen by between 50 and 75 percent compared with last year, due to higher electricity costs and consumers’ shift toward less expensive alternatives.

He also attributed the rise in demand for diesel heaters to an expansion in the area of sales to include other provinces, as customers now come from outside Damascus to buy them.

Walid al-Homsi, a trader in Souq al-Manakhliya, explained that demand for diesel heaters is focused on the popular “round” models, while the larger “salon” heaters have lost much of their appeal because of their high diesel consumption, which makes them less attractive when fuel is limited and prices have previously been high.

He said that diesel is currently available at better prices than last year, making other heating methods, such as gas, wood, or electricity, either less effective, more expensive, or less suitable for households with children.

Al-Homsi pointed out that most of the heaters sold today are manufactured in factories outside Damascus, as the capital itself still relies mainly on a few small workshops.

Regarding diesel consumption, the company representative said that diesel heaters use between half a liter and one liter per hour, depending on the size of the unit.

As for the built-in fan (turbo), it does not represent a significant electrical load, consuming no more than about 20 watts, which keeps it a viable option that does not noticeably affect the electricity bill.

In terms of cost, al-Homsi noted that heater prices, including the chimney pipes, range between 600,000 and 700,000 Syrian pounds (about 50 to 60 US dollars) for medium-sized units, and do not exceed about 1.5 million pounds (around 125 US dollars) for larger heaters, prices he considers affordable for most middle-income Syrian families.

He stressed that the difference between these heaters lies not in the quality or thickness of the metal used, but in external ornamentation, door designs, and similar details, while the way the heater is lit and operated is largely the same across all types.

Some of the more modern designs focus on aesthetics, such as decorative covers and door patterns, but these do not affect performance, according to al-Homsi, who noted that some customers actually prefer heaters without covers to avoid the extra cost.

He added that some newly manufactured heaters have adopted a simpler design to reduce cost while maintaining good performance.

Al-Homsi also mentioned technical details such as the “turbines” installed in some salon heaters to distribute hot air, emphasizing that these devices do not significantly affect heater performance or power consumption, and that their role is limited to spreading heat more evenly around the room.

Decline in the wood heater market

Demand for wood heaters has decreased compared with past years, when they saw greater popularity because of high diesel prices at the time.

Al-Homsi explained that demand for wood heaters in Damascus has fallen sharply to less than 20 percent, due to their higher cost compared with diesel, although colder rural areas in some provinces still rely on wood in limited quantities, as some residents there see it as more suited to what is available to them.

The representative of Najm al-Din Sharaf company said that most of the wood heaters available on the market come in different shapes, are made of metal, and are sprayed with a special matte coating that can withstand temperatures of up to 3,000 degrees, which makes them suitable for long-term use without warping or cracking.

He pointed out that the price of these heaters is mainly determined by their size, and that wood-heater flue pipes are usually thicker than those used for diesel heaters, which increases their durability and prolongs their lifespan.

Light-capacity electric heaters to “take the edge off the cold”

The rise in electricity prices has pushed some people toward heating methods that run on alternative energy, as many are wary of receiving high bills and added costs, prompting them to look for solutions that consume less power and are more economical.

Several traders interviewed by Enab Baladi in the electrical market in al-Marja agreed that people are now relying on heaters that consume less electricity, providing effective heating without placing a heavy load on the grid.

The power ratings of heaters designed for alternative energy start at 750 watts, running at roughly half an ampere, and go up to three amperes, with some models slightly higher than that.

The traders confirmed that this type of device is currently the most in demand, as consumers look for heaters that provide the needed warmth with low electricity consumption.

This type of heater offers good heating that helps “break the feeling of cold”, as they put it. It is sufficient to heat small rooms, especially for children in the morning before going to school, while keeping the electricity bill within acceptable bounds.

Gas heaters, faster warmth at a manageable cost

Some people rely on gas heaters because they are quick to ignite and provide warmth rapidly, especially now that gas has become more widely available in the markets at relatively acceptable prices.

Regarding health concerns, traders explained that although gas heaters come in many types, they all emit an odor during the first five minutes after being turned on and again after being turned off, which they described as a normal phenomenon.

The devices differ in how they operate, with some equipped with triple burners and a fan, and others relying solely on ceramic heating elements, to meet different consumer needs.

According to traders, a single gas cylinder can run a gas heater for between 20 and 25 days if used for about five hours a day with a gas safety regulator, providing a practical solution for those seeking steady and effective heating.

Heating in Syria, deepening hardship and a tightening economy

In a country like Syria, grappling with the fallout of accumulated economic crises for more than a decade, securing warmth during the cold months has become a luxury that many families can no longer attain.

Heating methods differ from one area to another, but what they all have in common is that their cost has risen beyond the means of a wide segment of the population.

Many Syrians are left wondering how they can secure heating materials in the midst of harsh living conditions and a weak economy.

Huge costs that exceed income

Enab Baladi spoke with two economic experts to provide a broader picture of the heating crisis and its social and living repercussions.

Economic researcher Mohammad Salloum said that the average monthly income of a Syrian family today ranges between 150 and 200 US dollars, and drops to around 80 dollars for retirees and low-income households. Meanwhile, families who rely on diesel heating need between 120 and 150 liters a month, at a cost of about 1.5 million Syrian pounds, which is equivalent to the entire income of a broad segment of society.

He added that relying on wood, seed shells, or other methods requires sums that more than 70 percent of families simply cannot afford.

These figures align with warnings by economic expert and Damascus University professor Dr. Majdi al-Jamous, who noted that 90 percent of Syrians previously depended on diesel for heating, but price liberalization pushed the cost of a barrel above 200 US dollars, driving this fuel out of reach for most low-income households.

He said that higher electricity tariffs have made power even more expensive than diesel, while alternative energy sources still cannot provide continuous, round-the-clock heating in a meaningful way.

Government policies that weigh on citizens

Government economic policies that liberalize energy prices for households and remove subsidies, such as the previous system that provided each family with 100 liters of diesel at a subsidized price of 2,000 Syrian pounds (about 0.17 US dollars), especially for low-income groups, have created severe living burdens for citizens.

Dr. Majdi al-Jamous believes that current government economic policies favor traders and investors at the expense of poorer classes, particularly after subsidies for the heating sector were lifted and oil and electricity prices were raised.

In his view, society is heading toward a clear division between a group that can afford to buy heating materials and another that finds itself completely unable to do so, despite the availability of these materials in the markets.

Economic researcher Mohammad Salloum pointed out that the energy subsidy bill in Syria ranges between 1 and 1.5 billion US dollars annually. He believes that restructuring subsidies through targeted cash-transfer programs could ease the burden on the most vulnerable groups by covering 30 to 40 percent of household heating costs.

Costly alternatives

Both experts stressed that the rise in diesel and electricity prices has affected all alternatives. Wood prices have increased significantly this year due to higher transport costs and restrictions on cutting trees, while some families have turned to risky materials such as plastic, used oils, and workshop residues to compensate for fuel shortages.

Dr. Majdi al-Jamous considers heating to have become a “luxury” for some Syrians, while a broad segment is left without any real solutions, especially in the absence of a clear government program to support this vital sector.

A United Nations report indicates that the poverty rate in Syria stands at 90 percent, while the average monthly family income does not cover heating costs.

Researcher Mohammad Salloum believes this reality leaves families facing a harsh winter, while Dr. Majdi al-Jamous argues that price hikes were implemented “with no intention of supporting citizens”, leading to a serious decline in purchasing power and a drop in overall energy consumption.

Proposed solutions, between direct support and restructuring

Amid rising prices, increasing demand, and declining purchasing power, Syrians are entering yet another winter season burdened with worries. With no signs of any real improvement in living conditions, many fear that the cold could become a direct threat to the poorest families.

Here, economic experts Mohammad Salloum and Majdi al-Jamous offer a set of proposals that could help improve households’ access to heating, most notably:

• Restructuring subsidies through targeted cash transfers to the neediest families, delivered directly to ensure they can secure basic warmth.
• Investing in solar energy and developing high-efficiency heaters.
• Providing small loans to rural households and encouraging the planting of fast-growing trees.
• Establishing a clear government support program for diesel as the main heating fuel.9
• Using oil grants, including nearly 1.6 million barrels from Saudi Arabia, to fund an urgent support scheme.

With every new winter, Syrians’ suffering is redrawn against a backdrop of cold and expensive energy, as the simplest means of heating turn into a daily struggle and a threat to health and safety.

People in both cities and camps are forced to adapt to limited or risky options, choosing between diesel, wood, and gas, or even rudimentary materials like nutshells and cardboard.

The absence of government support, rising prices, and disparities in purchasing power turn warmth into a luxury not available to everyone, leaving the most vulnerable families to face a harsh winter with no real solutions.

In this reality, one question remains: how long will Syrians continue searching for safe warmth in an economy that presses down on their lives, with no clear policies to protect them from the most basic risks of the weather?

[Source: Enab Baladi]