Protesters, police clash over fuel prices
QUITO, Ecuador (AP) — Crowds protesting a spike in fuel prices spilled into the streets of Ecuador’s capital of Quito Sunday, burning tires, blocking roads and facing off against police officers who responded with volleys of tear gas.
It was the latest confrontation in a series of nationwide demonstrations testing President Daniel Noboa.
Protesters on Sunday whistled and chanted “Noboa out, out!” as they marched from southern Quito toward a park further north. Before they could reach the plaza, police officers on motorbikes dispersed the rally, firing tear gas into the crowd. No injuries were immediately reported.
Ecuador’s largest Indigenous organization called the strikes 21 days ago in response to the removal of a fuel subsidy that raised the price of diesel from $1.80 per gallon to $2.80.
The protests have frequently turned violent, with one civilian reported killed so far, dozens injured and over a hundred arrested in clashes with police.
Noboa has imposed a state of emergency in 10 provinces, restricting public gatherings in Quito and other areas. Last week, protesters attacked Noboa’s motorcade with rocks in a major escalation.

