Ecuador: Oil production must be halted within 48 hours if protests continue

Ecuador’s oil production is at a “critical level” and will be halted within 48 hours if protests and blockades continue in the country, the Ecuadorian Ministry of Energy said on Sunday.

“If this situation continues, the country’s oil production will be halted within 48 hours because deforestation, seizure of wells and road closures will prevent it from carrying supplies needed to maintain operations and diesel,” the ministry said in a statement.

The same ministry said that “oil production is at a critical level” after nearly two weeks of civil strife against the high cost of living, with roadblocks and roadblocks in 19 of the country’s 24 provinces.

“Today, the figures show a more than 50% drop in production,” which was about 520,000 barrels a day until June 12.

Ecuador has significant hydrocarbon resources, concentrated in its Amazon provinces, and oil is its primary export product.

Nearly 14,000 tribal protesters have rallied across the country against the rising cost of living, especially the demand for lower fuel prices, according to police, who estimate their number in the capital at nearly 10,000.

There is already a shortage in Quito, where prices have risen and many markets have closed.

The Human Rights NGO says five people have been killed in violence between demonstrators and police. About 500 people were injured – civilians, police and soldiers – according to various sources.

AFP