Ecuador's oil production has fallen by more than half due to road blockades and damage connected to nearly two weeks of anti-government protests, the country's energy ministry says.
A demonstrator waving an Ecuadorean national flag as police officers stand guard at the National Assembly in Quito on June 25, while opposition lawmakers call for a no confidence vote against President Guillermo Lasso. Photo: Rodrigo BUENDIA / AFP
The sometimes-violent demonstrations by largely indigenous marchers demanding lower fuel and food prices, among other things, began on 13 June and have led to at least six civilian deaths.
President Guillermo Lasso, whose already adversarial relationship with the national assembly worsened during the marches, offered concessions including easing security measures, subsidised fertiliser and debt forgiveness, and his government met with indigenous groups on Saturday, local time.
"Oil production is at a critical level. Today the figures show a reduction of more than 50 percent," the energy ministry said in a statement. "In 14 days of demonstrations, the Ecuadorean state has stopped receiving around $[US]120 million."
Vandalism, the takeover of oil wells and road closures had prevented transport of necessary supplies, the ministry said.
Before the protests, oil production was about 520,000 barrels per day.
The public oil sector, private producers of flowers and dairy products, tourism businesses and others had lost about $US500 million, a ministry of production statement said.
Protesters reiterated on Sunday that marches would continue until Lasso has answered all of their demands.
"The central issues have not been won yet," said CONAIE indigenous organization leader Leonidas Iza, adding that protesters wanted guarantees on fuel prices and a limit to the expansion of oil and mining.
"We are going to return with results."
On social media, Lasso called for peace and said a humanitarian convoy on the way to Cuenca was attacked with explosives and the city's hospitals were suffering an oxygen shortage.
CONAIE tallied five protester deaths, while the government said four civilians had died during protests and two others in ambulances delayed by blockades.
The assembly was continuing debate on Sunday on an effort to remove Lasso from office, though it appeared opposition lawmakers did not have the required support.
- Reuters