Sky-high crude and diesel prices are fuelling protests worldwide
Countries including Syria, France and Guatemala have seen blockades, marches or other protests due to rising fuel prices caused by conflict in the Middle East.
Surging fuel prices due to Middle East conflict have led to demonstrations in Guatemala, Bolivia and Syria
John Mazerolle · CBC News
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Hundreds of oil tanker trucks were stranded in Syria on Wednesday, the latest example of protests around the world that are triggered in part by fuel prices.
The politics of each situation vary — the truck blockade pictured above, near Tal Tamr, Syria, is tied closely to a plan to bring formerly autonomous Kurdish institutions under control of the country's central government.
But in places as far afield as Guatemala and the Philippines, global fuel prices have been a key ingredient in rising unrest.
Oil prices dipped Wednesday, but were still over $100 US due to Middle East oil disruptions. Before the U.S. and Israel attacked Iran on Feb. 28, prices were between $60 and $70 a barrel, depending on the type of crude. Diesel, which has more refining bottlenecks and is also affected by the Russia-Ukraine war, has risen even more, up about 60 per cent since late February.
Here's a visual look at some of the protests this month.
On Sunday, Syria's government hiked gasoline prices by more than 25 per cent and diesel by 40 per cent, citing rising global fuel prices due to the U.S.-Iran war and repair work at a coastal refinery. Protests broke out in several areas, including on the highway between Turkey and Syria's biggest city, Aleppo.
In Guatemala, transport workers, taxi drivers and Indigenous people have all protested against rising fuel prices.
The U.S. non-profit ACLED (Armed Conflict Location and Event Data) said by Sept. 4, there had been 40 demonstrations across 27 cities. Along with higher fuel prices due to the conflict in the Middle East, the country has been dealing with El Niño-related droughts.
Tensions rose last week when organized truckers and other groups blocked roads, set vehicles on fire, attacked police with weapons and caused destruction in several parts of the country, mainly in the Guatemalan capital.
In Bolivia, fuel shortages and rising costs have triggered protests and roadblocks this year by labour unions, Indigenous groups and supporters of former leftist president Evo Morales.
There have also been fuel-related protests in other countries, including Portugal, the Philippines and France.
Several dozen fishermen blocked an oil depot in the port of Fos-sur-Mer, France, on Tuesday to protest rising fuel prices and deteriorating working conditions.
With files from The Associated Press, Reuters and the CBC's Alexandra Mae Jones
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