Ecuador’s Indigenous movement calls indefinite strike over diesel subsidy cut
Ecuador’s largest Indigenous organization has called for an indefinite nationwide strike after President Daniel Noboa eliminated the diesel subsidy, a move that immediately raised fuel prices from $1.80 to $2.80 per gallon and sparked widespread anger.
The Confederation of Indigenous Nationalities of Ecuador (Conaie) announced the strike on September 18, following an extraordinary assembly in Riobamba. Conaie leader Marlon Vargas said the government’s decision was analyzed “deeply and thoroughly” before the call to mobilize. The organization also agreed on nine additional measures and urged social movements and civil society to join what it described as a unified defense of Ecuadorian families’ livelihoods.
In response, Noboa expanded the state of emergency declared earlier in the week and imposed a nighttime curfew in five provinces. The Attorney General’s Office warned it would act “firmly” against potential crimes, including what it labeled as “terrorism”, if demonstrations escalated. Security forces have already clashed with students and workers protesting in Quito, demanding the president’s resignation.
Fuel subsidies have long been a flashpoint in Ecuador. Conaie previously led mass uprisings in 2019 and 2022 that forced past governments to backtrack on similar reforms. This time, however, Noboa has insisted he will not negotiate. His administration argues the measure will save $1.1 billion annually to fund social protection programs and incentives for small and medium-sized businesses. Indigenous leaders counter that the policy will sharply raise the cost of transport, food, and production, pushing millions deeper into hardship.
This story is written and edited by the Global South World team, you can contact us here.
