Several Haitian cities, including the capital Port-au-Prince, were paralyzed on Wednesday by demonstrations triggered by the government's decision to suspend or drastically reduce fuel subsidies, an extremely sensitive issue in this country where gasoline is as rare as essential.
The main roads were blocked by barricades, public transport was at a standstill and many businesses or public institutions had kept their doors closed after the attack on certain businesses by protesters.
On Sunday, Prime Minister Ariel Henry announced that fuel prices should increase, as subsidies cost too much for a state that is sorely lacking in funding.
The announcement had triggered the anger of a population already tested by insecurity and poverty, which depends on fuel for transport, but also for electricity or cooking.
The protests only intensified on Wednesday, when the government formalized the suspension of subsidies on diesel and household fuel, and the reduction of those on gasoline.
Diesel and kerosene prices will almost double, from about 350 gourdes (the Haitian currency) to nearly 670 gourdes.
Dry pumps
"Funding to continue importing petroleum products amounts to 9 billion gourdes per month, twice as much as the monthly state payroll", justified the Ministry of Communication on Twitter.
The "receipts recorded at customs" are not enough to pay the subsidies for petroleum products, he added.
This summer, a double shortage of petrol and electricity had already brought several provincial towns to a standstill.
Haitian gas pumps regularly run dry, forcing residents to turn to an overpriced black market.
Haiti, a country over which gangs are increasingly extending their hold, has been stuck for years in a deep economic and political crisis.
Economy
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Economy
Soaring energy prices particularly affect overseas territories
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Haiti
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Fuel prices
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