Ecuador’s government has declared a state of emergency after protesters opposed to a fuel price hike went on the rampage.
This has disrupted transportation nationwide. President Lenin Moreno said he imposed the measure to “ensure citizens’ security and avoid chaos”.
Protesters were angered by Mr Moreno’s decision to end 40-year-old subsidies for fuel, which he said were no longer affordable.
Diesel and petrol prices are expected to increase by more than double. The fuel subsidies cost the government 1.3 billion dollars annually.
Yesterday, students and the transport sector led a national strike.
Taxi, bus and truck drivers blocked roads and bridges in the capital Quito and the city of Guayaquil, bringing transportation to a standstill.
