WFP Syria Monthly Market Price Bulletin, March 2026 - Issue 135

Country: Syrian Arab Republic Source: World Food Programme Please refer to the attached file. Highlights: The cost of living in March 2026, as measured by the Minimum Expenditure Basket (MEB), increased by 9 percent to Old SYP 2.65 million, from Old SYP 2.43 million in February 2026. This increase was driven by higher prices for eggplants, chicken meat, and gas cylinder prices mainly due to the recent regional escalation. The Syrian currency depreciated in the parallel market to have and exchange rate from Old SYP 11,806 per USD in February 2026 to Old SYP 11,972 per USD in March 2026. Meanwhile, the official exchange rate remained stable at Old SYP 11,055 per USD. The Syrian government announced major wage reforms effective from May 2026, including a 50 percent increase in public sector salaries, raising the minimum wage from 750,000 Old SYP to 1,257,000 Old SYP, along with additional sector-specific increases for selected institutions. Syria temporarily banned imports of potatoes and frozen chicken products in March 2026 to protect domestic producers and stabilize local markets. The measure may benefit local farmers and livestock producers, but it could also reduce supply and increase prices if domestic production cannot meet demand.

Original source: Relief Web