Haiti to raise fuel prices, setting off street protests

Sep 14, 2022, 11:43 AM | Updated: 11:51 am

PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti (AP) — Haiti announced steep increases in fuel prices on Wednesday despite fears the move would crush an already frail economy, push even more people to flee the country and unleash the sort of protests that have often paralyzed the capital.

The government-set price of a gallon of gasoline is to increase from 250 gourdes ($2) to 570 gourdes ($4.78), while diesel will go from 353 gourdes ($3) to 670 gourdes ($5.60) and kerosene from 352 gourdes ($3) to 665 gourdes ($5.57).

The government said prices are rising because it can no longer afford to heavily subsidize fuel like it once did. Previously, Haiti received all its petroleum under Venezuela’s Petrocaribe program, which ended several years ago. Since then, the government authorized local distributors to import fuel and has subsidized their purchases.

Protesters against the price hike blocked roads throughout Port-au-Prince on Wednesday with rocks, burning tires, metal gates and even a bed frame, leaving the normally bustling capital void of traffic. Schools and businesses including banks also shut down as columns of black smoke rose across the city.

Marc André, a 28-year-old moto-taxi driver, said he night sell his bike and cross the border into the neighboring Dominican Republic to look for a construction job.

“The price I’m going to charge, most people won’t be able to afford it,” he said. “It’s best for me to leave the country.”

The government did not say when the new fuel prices would go into effect, but tweeted that “prices in Haiti are significantly lower than those on the international market.”

Prime Minister Ariel Henry had warned in a national address early Monday that fuel prices would increase, although his administration did not release details until Wednesday.

A couple thousand Haitians protested the looming increases on Tuesday while also demanding a crackdown on soaring violence and a reduction in the price of basic supplies amid a 30% inflation rate.

Copyright © The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

AP

(Facebook Photo/Superior Court of Arizona in Yavapai County)...
Associated Press

Arizona judge has cases reassigned following DUI arrest

The Arizona Supreme Court has ruled that all cases currently assigned to a Yavapai County Superior Court judge recently arrested on suspicion of extreme DUI will be reassigned to other judges.
3 days ago
Haitian migrant Gerson Solay, 28, carries his daughter, Bianca, as he and his family cross into Can...
Associated Press

US, Canada to end loophole that allows asylum-seekers to move between countries

President Joe Biden and Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau on Friday announced a plan to close a loophole to an immigration agreement.
6 days ago
Expert skateboarder Di'Orr Greenwood, an artist born and raised in the Navajo Nation in Arizona and...
Associated Press

Indigenous skateboard art featured on new stamps unveiled at Phoenix skate park

The Postal Service unveiled the “Art of the Skateboard" stamps at a Phoenix skate park, featuring designs from Indigenous artists.
6 days ago
(Facebook Photo/City of San Luis, Arizona)...
Associated Press

San Luis authorities receive complaints about 911 calls going across border

Authorities in San Luis say they are receiving more complaints about 911 calls mistakenly going across the border.
12 days ago
(Pexels Photo)...
Associated Press

Daylight saving time begins in most of US this weekend

No time change is observed in Hawaii, most of Arizona, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, American Samoa, Guam and the Northern Marianas.
20 days ago
Mexican army soldiers prepare a search mission for four U.S. citizens kidnapped by gunmen in Matamo...
Associated Press

How the 4 abducted Americans in Mexico were located

The anonymous tip that led Mexican authorities to a remote shack where four abducted Americans were held described armed men and blindfolds.
20 days ago

Sponsored Articles

(Pexels Photo)...

Sports gambling can be fun for adults, but it’s a dangerous game for children

While adults may find that sports gambling is a way to enhance the experience with more than just fandom on the line, it can be a dangerous proposition if children get involved in the activity.
...
Day & Night Air Conditioning, Heating and Plumbing

Prep the plumbing in your home just in time for the holidays

With the holidays approaching, it's important to know when your home is in need of heating and plumbing updates before more guests start to come around.
(Photo via MLB's Arizona Fall League / Twitter)...
Arizona Fall League

Top prospects to watch at this year’s Arizona Fall League

One of the most exciting elements of the MLB offseason is the Arizona Fall League, which began its 30th season Monday.
Haiti to raise fuel prices, setting off street protests