Peru unveils fuel subsidies for transport sector amid price protests
Peru's president announces 15-20% fuel subsidies for transport workers for three months, following protests over high prices.
Peruvian President Keiko Fujimori announced on Friday that the government will introduce short-term fuel subsidies for drivers in the cargo and passenger transport sectors. The measure aims to ease the financial strain caused by rising fuel prices, which have triggered protests in parts of the country.
The subsidies will take effect on Saturday and remain in place for three months, with support levels ranging between 15% and 20%, depending on price fluctuations. Fujimori described the initiative as "direct support, especially to those who need it most," and called it a "temporary mechanism to cushion the extraordinary increase in fuel prices." She was joined by Economy Minister Elmer Cuba at the press conference.
The announcement follows unrest on Wednesday in the city of Pucallpa, near the border with Brazil, where transport workers and other protesters blocked roads and burned tires. Anger has been growing over the sharp rise in fuel costs. Local groups have also gone on strike in the eastern region of Ucayali, demanding government action to mitigate the impact on households and businesses far from the capital, Lima.