Ecuadorian indigenous organisations say they will meet with the government to discuss demands for lower fuel and food prices, which have sparked two weeks of protests, hitting the country's weakened economy and threatening its oil production.
Ecuadorean indigenous ride on top of a truck heading to the House of Culture, in Quito. Photo: MARTIN BERNETTI/AFP
President Guillermo Lasso late on Sunday (local time) announced a 10-cent per gallon cut to gasoline and diesel prices, the latest concession to try to quell the sometimes-violent demonstrations, which began on June 13.
At least seven people have died in connection with the marches and the country's oil output has been halved, with the energy ministry saying a production halt is possible by Tuesday if road blocks and takeovers of oil wells continue.
Lasso, whose adversarial relationship with the national assembly has worsened during the protests, has also withdrawn security measures and announced subsidized fertilizers and debt forgiveness.
Indigenous groups led by CONAIE said in a statement earlier that the price reduction to $2.45 per gallon for gasoline extra and $1.80 per gallon for diesel was not enough.
But in the afternoon the groups said they would attend a meeting with government officials set for 2pm local time (1900 GMT), even as backers marched in Quito in rejection of the new prices.
"We will drive results for the 10-point agenda, we call on our mobilised supporters to be vigilant," CONAIE said on Twitter.
Having to cut oil production amid globally high prices "is a crime," Italo Cedeno, the manager of state-run oil company Petroecuador, told a local television station.
Lasso said earlier in a tweet that measures, including the gas price cut, would cost some $600 million.
Residents of Quito have complained of shortages of domestic gas and food. Other cities have also reported shortages of fuel and medical supplies for hospitals.
The public oil sector, private producers of flowers and dairy products, tourism and other businesses have lost about $500 million, the government has said.
CONAIE tallies five protester deaths, while the government says three civilians died during marches, two more were killed in accidents and two died in ambulances delayed by blockades.
Lawmakers are set to continue debate on an effort to remove Lasso from office, though it appears opposition groups lack the necessary support for the measure to succeed.
-Reuters
