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Skyrocketing fuel prices spark protests around the globe
CNN • • world
Key Points:
- Global protests have erupted in response to soaring fuel prices and rolling blackouts driven by the war in Iran, with oil prices surpassing $100 per barrel due to US strikes on Iranian tankers and renewed conflict in Yemen threatening key shipping routes.
- In Syria, fuel price hikes of up to 40% sparked the largest demonstrations since the Assad regime's fall, with protesters blocking highways and demanding government accountability amid worsening economic conditions.
- Guatemala faces widespread road blockades and marches by truckers and citizens demanding government intervention; Congress is considering a bill to cap fuel prices through subsidies to importers.
- In Portugal, protests by business leaders and workers targeted rising gas prices and living costs, prompting government measures to support freight, taxi services, firefighters, and social sectors.
- Other affected countries include France, where fishermen blockaded a fuel depot protesting costs threatening their industry, and the Philippines, where transport workers struck demanding fuel subsidies and tax relief amid repeated price hikes impacting families and businesses.
