set by the State, prices at the pump of petrol, diesel and kerosene have jumped, causing the exasperation of a paved population and subject to the violence of armed gangs.
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The anger of the Haitians against their political leaders had already been rushing for several months, fueled by insecurity, the increase in the cost of living and the shortages of fuel. But recurring demonstrations – and frequently enamelled with violence – took on an unprecedented scale on Wednesday, September 14, in Port -au -Prince and in several major Haitian cities, to the point of paralyzing the country. In question, an increase in the price of petroleum products, entered into force the same day, despite the outcry caused by the announcement of this measure, on Sunday by the Prime Minister, Ariel Henry.
Fixed by the State, prices at the pump of petrol, diesel and kerosene have jumped for the second time since the accession to power of the new chief of the executive, in July 2021, a few days After the assassination of President Jovenel Moïse. The Gallon (3.78 liters) of Sans-Plomb 95 increases by 128 %, going from 250 to 570 gourdes (from 2.11 to 4.83 euros), while the price of diesel and kerosene stands closely 670 gourdes, or a flight of 90 %.
After the application of these new prices, Wednesday’s monster demonstrations turned to the riot in Port-au-Prince, with roads barred by barricades and numerous looting scenes. In the easy suburbs of Pétion-Ville, L a house of the opposition leader André Michel was attacked by a crowd of demonstrators. The Haitian media reported at least two dead on the sidelines of the violent demonstrations which had taken place the day before on Tuesday in the capital, while the French ambassador to Haiti, Fabrice Mauriès, announced on Twitter , “now and until further notice”, consular services.
To 🇫🇷 of 🇭🇹: these events lead us to close the services of the Ambassade to the public now and juice… https://t.co/jycwonz8ok
– Fabricemauries (@fabrice Mauriès)
The Haitian government justifies the decision to increase the prices of petrol, taken in the Council of Ministers, by the need to reduce its subsidy on the price of petroleum products. After an endless political, economic and security crisis which plunges this country of 11 million inhabitants in chaos, the state is bloodless. “Funding to continue the importation of petroleum products amounts to 9 billion gourds per month, twice as much as the monthly payroll of the State”, tweeted, on Wednesday, the Ministry of Communication, before ‘Add that “all the recipes recorded in customs is not enough” to pay this subsidy.
The official fuel prices have reached an unbearable level for the Haitian population, largely paved – with a gross domestic product per capita of $ 1,815 for the year 2021, according to the World Bank, an average income of $ 151 per month -, and for whom petroleum products have vital importance for transport and for the functioning of generators.
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