Numbering over 1.2 million, Iraqi refugees comprise a large portion of Syria's population of 18 million. This has caused an increase in the cost of living and caused a strain on infrastructure. Sources like oil, heat, water and electricity were said to be becoming more scarce as demand had gone up. Syrian's deputy foreign minister has stated that the price of food has increased by 30%, property prices by 40%, and rentals by 150%. Water consumption rose by 21%, costing the Syrian government about 6.8 million US dollars in 2006. The Iraqi population also strained the labor market: Syrian unemployment was 18% in 2006. Refugees put a strain on health services (which are free in Syria), and Syria experienced public school overcrowding. In 2005 and 2006, Syria used $162 million to offer aid to Iraqi refugees in the country.