Réunion: Shortages amid ongoing “yellow vest” movement /update 14

Event

On Sunday, December 2, Réunion's local government warned that the territory is facing an increasingly worrisome shortage of essential goods as the Grand Port Maritime remained blockaded for a 16th consecutive day amid ongoing "yellow vest" ("gilets jaunes") protests. Goods currently unable to be delivered include perishable food, grain, and medicine. Although  many goods remain blocked at the territory's main port, other roadblocks previously erected across Réunion were eased over the weekend, and some stores and gas stations were able to restock their shelves and fuel tanks. A return to some degree of normalcy is expected on Monday, December 3, with schools and universities planning to reopen their doors and public transportation services set to resume. The nightly closures at Roland Garros International Airport (RUN) - from 16:00 to 05:00 (local time) - remained in effect as of December 2.

Context

Demonstrations denouncing rising fuel prices and a planned fuel tax began on November 17 throughout France, with demonstrators in Réunion setting up roadblocks, setting fire to buildings, and ransacking shops. The government had planned a tax increase on fuel prices, including gasoline and diesel, beginning on January 1, 2019, to promote environmentally friendly practices.

Advice

Individuals in Réunion are advised to monitor developments to the situation, adhere to any instructions issued by the local authorities, allow for extra time to reach their destinations, and avoid all protests.