Haiti fuel shortages spark violent protests

Police fired live rounds and tear gas as they clashed with protesters in the Haitian capital, Port-au-Prince, on Friday.

Demonstrators demanding an end to the fuel crisis erected burning barricades in the streets and pelted officers with stones and glass bottles.

Fuel shortages have plagued the impoverished Caribbean country since mid-August, leading to repeated anti-government rallies. The protesters are calling for the resignation of President Jovenel Moise, who has faced allegations of corruption since entering office in February 2017. Many blame him for the fuel crisis.

Read more: From Haiti to Madagascar: The world's forgotten crises

The crisis has brought economic activity to a halt in a number of Haitian cities, with schools, businesses and public institutions closing their doors. Lack of supply has led to shuttered gas stations and long lines at the pumps. 

One reason for the shortage is the suspension of Venezuela's corruption-plagued PetroCaribe scheme, which had allowed Haiti to buy petroleum products more cheaply and defer payment for up to 25 years. The Haitian government is heavily indebted, and companies that import oil are now struggling to procure state-subsidized fuel for the domestic market.

During his election campaign, Moise promised "food on every plate and money in every pocket," but the 20% inflation rate has slashed people's purchasing power. 

Read more: Haiti: Thousands protest against corruption

Haiti is one of the poorest countries in the world. Around 60% of its population of 11 million live below the poverty line of $2 (€1.80) a day.

nm/kl (EFE, AFP)

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