To put a stop to nearly two weeks of anti-government protests in which at least six people have died, Ecuadorian President Guillermo Lasso announced on Sunday that he will reduce prices for gasoline and diesel by 10 cents per gallon.
Ecuador’s oil production has decreased as a result of the often violent protests by primarily indigenous protesters demanding lower fuel and food costs, among other things, that started on June 13.
After previously removing security measures and announcing subsidized fertilizers and debt forgiveness, Lasso, whose antagonistic relationship with the national assembly has gotten worse during the protests, met this past weekend with indigenous organizations.
Leonidas Iza, the head of the indigenous CONAIE organization, had earlier on Sunday noted that the price of gas and other issues were still unresolved and promised to continue the protests until they were resolved.
“Everyone considers that gas prices have become the cornerstone of maintaining the conflict and though we as a government is very clear that this factor isn’t the origin of Ecuadoreans’ problems, we must think of the common good and citizens’ peace,” Lasso said. “I have decided to reduce the price of gasoline extra and Ecopais (gasoline) by 10 cents per gallon and also diesel by 10 cents per gallon,” Lasso said.
In October of last year, Lasso froze the prices of gasoline extra at $2.55 per gallon and diesel at $1.90 per gallon, sparking the first wave of demonstrations.
Both gasoline and diesel will now cost $2.45 a gallon, which is still more than CONAIE had proposed.
The energy ministry previously reported that due to road blockades and damage associated with the protests, Ecuador’s oil production has decreased by more than half.
“Oil production is at a critical level. Today the figures show a reduction of more than 50%,” the ministry said in a statement. “In 14 days of demonstrations, the Ecuadorean state has stopped receiving around $120 million.”
According to the government, transportation of essential supplies has been hampered by vandalism, oil well invasions, and road closures.
Oil output was around 520,000 barrels per day before the protests.
According to the ministry of production, firms like the public oil sector, private flower and dairy farmers, the tourism industry, and other industries have lost roughly $500 million.
Residents of Quito have expressed frustration over goods shortages, while Lasso earlier on Sunday claimed that Cuenca’s hospitals were experiencing an oxygen scarcity.
While the government reports that four civilians died during protests and two died in ambulances that were delayed by blockades, CONAIE has recorded five protester deaths.
Even though it appears opposition organizations lack the requisite backing, lawmakers proceeded to discuss Lasso’s removal from office on Sunday.
