Living Conditions in Aleppo: A Struggle for Survival
Aleppo, once a thriving economic hub in Syria, is now grappling with severe economic hardships following the control of Syrian opposition factions. Residents face dire shortages of essential resources such as gas, fuel, electricity, and even basic food items. Despite Aleppo's historical significance, the current living conditions reveal a stark contrast, with many families unable to afford necessities due to skyrocketing prices.
Lina Al-Qadi, a retired teacher, shared her plight with Al Jazeera Net, highlighting the overwhelming cost of living. With a monthly salary of just 300,000 liras (approximately $17), she struggles to pay for basic utilities and heating. The monthly electricity subscription alone costs 450,000 liras, while a gas cylinder is priced at 500,000 liras, with families only allocated four cylinders per year through a smart card system. Al-Qadi's family, facing health issues, is forced to rely on blankets for warmth as they cannot afford heating fuel.
Abdo, a father of three, echoed similar sentiments, stating that his weekly earnings of 350,000 liras are barely enough to cover his children's needs. The price of bread has soared to 6,000 liras per loaf, forcing him to choose between basic food items and essential expenses. For many families, meat has become a luxury, with chicken prices reaching 150,000 liras, leading them to prioritize cheaper alternatives like milk for their children.
Economic Crisis and Its Impact on Families
The economic crisis in Aleppo has left many families struggling to meet their basic needs. Badour Al-Ali, a mother of two, works tirelessly to provide for her household, yet her monthly income of 800,000 liras falls short of the necessary funds to secure food and medication for her husband. With limited access to diesel and gas, she resorts to wearing thick clothing and using blankets for warmth during the harsh winter months.
Nasser Al-Jaber, a vegetable vendor, earns about 3 million liras a month, yet after transportation costs, he finds it difficult to provide adequate food for his family. Like many others, he has not purchased meat in over a year due to its prohibitive cost. Muhammad Salik, another resident, reports that the bread provided through the smart card is insufficient, forcing him to buy additional loaves at inflated market prices.
The situation is dire, with over 80% of Aleppo's population, approximately 2.5 million people, living below the poverty line. The lack of job opportunities and the closure of many factories have exacerbated the crisis, leaving families preoccupied with securing basic necessities like water, bread, and gas. The current exchange rate, with the dollar valued at around 25,000 Syrian pounds in the free market, further complicates the economic landscape, as the regime's official rate is significantly lower at 18,000 pounds per dollar.
