Al Arabiya, Aleppo, 01 February 2013-  Many Syrians have resorted to chopping down trees for heating and cooking purposes, due to the nation-wide scarcity of fuel.

Residents in the village of Andan told an Al Arabiya correspondent that they had no option but to cut down olive trees that are dozens of years old as winter takes hold in a climate of soaring fuel prices.

Syrians have returned to the days of using firewood to perform domestic chores.

Many are facing difficulty buying food as bakeries closed their doors due to the violence.

“The bakers closed their shops because of the shelling, we are buying wheat and baking at home,” says Assem, son of Umm Matouk.

The simple act of baking at home has become a financial strain on many families. The bread needs wheat, a commodity which is monopolized by a few merchants who are constantly raising prices.

Umm Matouk complains, “the flour bag is for 3000 Liras, it surely isn’t sufficient for a family of 14?”

In addition to the raising prices of basic commodities, the war is taking its toll due to the violence.

When the airstrikes begin “we run to the vineyards so the houses do not collapse on our heads,” says the young Assem.