Protests in Ecuador: The president announced a small reduction in fuel prices

The president of Ecuador, Guillermo Lasso, announced on Sunday night (local time; this morning Greek time) a reduction in fuel prices, but significantly less than the one demanded by the thousands of natives who have been protesting in the streets for two weeks. have paralyzed much of economic activity in the Latin American state.

“I have decided to reduce the price of petrol by 10 cents (US dollar) per gallon (ie 3.78 liters) and that of diesel oil also by 10 cents per gallon,” said the conservative president during his broadcast.

This reduction means that the price of diesel will be $ 1.80 and that of gasoline $ 2.45, while the powerful Confederation of Indigenous Peoples of Ecuador (CONAIE), spearhead in the mobilizations, demands that prices be reduced to $ 1.5 and $ 2.1 respectively.

In less than a year, the price of diesel rose by 90% (to $ 1.9) and that of gasoline by 46% (to $ 2.55) in Ecuador, an oil-producing country.

“Ecuadorians seeking dialogue will find a government that lends a hand. Those seeking chaos, violence and terrorism will face the full force of the law,” said Mr Lasso, who spoke on condition of anonymity because he was not authorized to speak to the media. hours after the resumption of the debate in the parliament of Ecuador on a proposal for his removal from office.

Six people have been killed in violent clashes between protesters and law enforcement since the start of the mass protests on June 13, according to human rights NGOs. About 500 others have been injured, including civilians, police and soldiers, according to various sources. Protesters tried twice – last Thursday and last Friday – to enter the country’s parliament, but were violently repulsed by law enforcement.

SOURCE: AMPE