Honduras Erupts in Protest as Fuel Prices Climb for 11th Week
Protesters blocked streets and highways and set tires ablaze, demanding an end to the price increases, according to a local newspaper.
The latest adjustment is the 11th straight week of rising fuel prices in the country.
In the capital, Tegucigalpa, premium gasoline climbed 4.87 lempiras ($0.18) per gallon to 153.17 lempiras ($5.71). Regular gasoline rose 2.45 lempiras ($0.09) to 135.26 lempiras ($5.04).
The government raised its temporary fuel subsidy from 65% to 70% this week in response to higher international fuel prices. According to the Secretariat of Energy, the measure failed to prevent further increases for consumers.
Demonstrations were reported in several locations, including on roads linking Tegucigalpa with southern and eastern parts of the country.
Protesters called for measures to contain fuel prices and criticized the toll that higher costs are taking on transportation and household budgets.
The Honduran Institute of Land Transportation said no official call for a national transport strike had been issued by representative organizations, despite the protests and blockades.
The institute said transport sector representatives had confirmed that no suspension of services had been agreed and that they were willing to keep working through dialogue with authorities.
Transport groups have voiced concern over the impact of higher fuel prices on operating costs and have requested talks with government officials.
The government has kept subsidies in place for some fuel products in an effort to limit the burden on consumers.
Domestic liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) prices were unchanged under the temporary subsidy, while automotive LPG prices also rose.
Authorities have urged protesters and transport operators to keep talking as the latest fuel adjustment takes effect.
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