The Syrian government closed the al-Tabqa, al-Hawra and al-Sabkha crossings in the countryside of Raqqa on March 21. The closure stopped civilians and commercial trucks from passing between government-controlled areas in northeast Syria and those held by the Syrian Democratic Forces and led to an increase in the prices of foodstuffs, building materials, medicines and medical equipment in the SDF-controlled areas.

The closures appear to be intended to pressure the SDF to allow more fuel into regime-controlled areas that are in a stifling fuel crisis, as most oil wells are located in the area are under the control of the SDF. 

On April 4, the crossings were reopened after the SDF agreed to supply oil to the regime-held areas. In return, the government agreed to allow the importation of food, medical and other supplies into the SDF-held areas. 

According to the understandings, the SDF will supply the government-held areas with around 200 truckloads of oil per week, and commercial vehicles coming from the government-controlled areas to the SDF-held areas will pay a transit fee of up to 30% of the value of goods. Individuals entering SDF areas from government-held areas will pay a fee of 5,000 Syrian pounds  ($1.50).