Ecuador extends state of emergency to curb protests against high fuel prices

Indigenous protesters complain of fuel price increases of up to 90%, unemployment and other problems.

The Ecuadorian government announced Monday (20) that a state of emergency has been imposed in 6 provinces of the country due to protests. Previously, the measure was active in 3 localities.

The affected provinces are Pichincha, in the metropolitan region of Quito, Cotopaxi, Imbabura, Chimborazo, Tungurahua and Pastaza.

According to census data, 1.1 million indigenous peoples live in Ecuador among its 17.5 million inhabitants.

Ecuadorian President Guillermo Lasso has declared a state of emergency to contain indigenous protests against high fuel prices, which continued for the 9th day on Tuesday (21).