Syria Reviews Investment Projects as $1 billion Budget Gap Widens, Gas Pipeline Fire Halts Power Plant Fuel Supplies

An explosion in a valve on Monday ignited a gas line linking Al-Shola and Deir al‑Zor, and officials attribute the blaze to sabotage. The fire forced the shutdown of gas deliveries to multiple power plants, prompting firefighters to cordon off the area and work to extinguish the flames. In response to a $1 billion shortfall in the state budget, the finance ministry announced a spending review that will protect salaries, health care and education while cutting what it calls “unnecessary expenditure.” Investment projects, many backed by Gulf investors, will be reassessed, with those tied to security, essential services or critical infrastructure remaining on track and other projects potentially delayed.