Ecuadorian President Guillermo Lasso announced Sunday a drop in fuel prices, in a proportion nevertheless lower than the demands of the thousands of natives who have been demonstrating and blocking part of the country for two weeks.
"
I have decided to reduce the price of gasoline by 10 cents (of dollars) per gallon (3.78 liters) and the price of diesel also by 10 cents per gallon
," the Ecuadorian president said in a radio and television address. .
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This reduction will bring the price of diesel to 1.80 dollars, and that of gasoline to 2.45 dollars, while the powerful confederation of indigenous nationalities (Conaie), spearhead of the demonstrations, demanded a drop in the price of fuels at 1.50 and 2.10 dollars.
In less than a year, diesel has climbed 90% (to $1.90) and gasoline by 46% (to $2.55).
“
Ecuadorians who seek dialogue will find a government with an outstretched hand.
Those who seek chaos, violence and terrorism will find the full force of the law
”, assured President Lasso, who intervened a few hours after the resumption in Parliament of a debate on his possible dismissal.
Six dead in protests
Since June 13, thousands of indigenous demonstrators have been mobilized across the country to protest against the rising cost of living and to demand, in particular, a drop in fuel prices.
The violence between demonstrators and police left six dead, according to a human rights NGO.
Some 500 people were injured - civilians, police and soldiers - according to various sources.
Quito is largely paralyzed and its access blocked by numerous roadblocks.
The demonstrators tried twice, Thursday and Friday, to enter the premises of the National Assembly, from where they were repelled by the police.
Read alsoEcuador: Parliament debates impeachment proceedings against the head of state
Oil production in Ecuador is at a “
critical level
” and will cease within 48 hours if the protests and blockades continue, the Ministry of Energy said on Sunday, speaking of production already reduced today to 50% from normal.
