ALEPPO, Syria — An unprecedented plummet in the Syrian pound’s value against foreign currencies is contributing to skyrocketing food prices and compounding Syrians' already-dire economic situation as the war here enters its fifth year.

The pound's exchange rate against the US dollar exceeded 500 in early April. Markets in the Syrian opposition-controlled areas in Aleppo have been plagued with a semi-recession due to the rising prices of food and other commodities, the declining local currency and weak purchasing power. This comes amid a lack of job opportunities and low revenues.

Abu Muhammad is the provider for his seven-member family. Al-Monitor met him in a popular market in the opposition-controlled area in Aleppo city.

“I came here to buy some goods for the house," he said. "I have 2,500 Syrian pounds [$5]. Previously, I could buy enough food for two weeks with this amount. Today, with the high prices, the amount is enough to buy food for four days. The prices are skyrocketing and there are few job opportunities because of the war. Should there be any jobs available, the salaries are very low, while prices are on the rise in the market. We only buy necessities.”