ALEPPO, Syria  — Abu Mohammed al-Golani, the leader of Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), has pledged to provide $3 million to subsidize bread after HTS-controlled Idlib experienced a severe bread crisis and a general economic crisis, following the depreciation of the Turkish lira against the US dollar.

The population in Idlib governorate, northwest Syria, is suffering under an unprecedented rise in prices. People could no longer afford to buy bread; some resorted to Tannour bread, which is less expensive than bakery bread.

Prices have increased following the depreciation of the Turkish lira against the US dollar, as transactions in the area have been conducted in lira instead of the Syrian pound since 2020. The Turkish lira is currently being traded at 12.90 to the dollar, according to the exchange rate website Döviz.

On Nov. 23, Golani stated that he will be subsidizing bread during a meeting with the HTS’ Shura Council attended by HTS leaders, and ministers from the HTS-affiliated Salvation Government. They discussed ways to subsidize fuel and wheat in order to maintain the bundle of bread at a specific price and size, as well as a strategy to overcome crises in the future.