18 Oct 2021 | 03:02 PM UTC
Ecuador: Activists protest in several cities and block key highways, Oct. 18.
Protesters block main roads and highways in at least four provinces of Ecuador, including Guayas province, Oct. 18.
Event
Activist groups of mainly farmers and teachers have blocked traffic along several key highways in Ecuador demanding that authorities freeze the price of fuel, Oct. 18. Reports indicate that traffic disruptions are occurring in the provinces of Guayas, Los Rios, Manabi, and Carchi. Some participants have blocked roads with burning tires and debris and heightened security has been reported around several protests.
In Guayas province, protesters have blocked roads in the areas of Daule, Santa Lucia, Duran, Samborondon, and Lomas de Sargentillo. In Los Rios province, participants blocked roads in and around Babahoyo. The highways connecting the towns of Manta and San Mateo in Manabi province, and Tulcan and Bolivar in Carchi have also been blocked by demonstrators. It is unclear how long the blockades will last. Protesters may also block other highways and main roads nationwide, Oct. 18.
Heightened security and ground travel disruptions are likely in the impact area in the coming hours.
Advice
Avoid all protests as a precaution. Heed instructions from authorities. Plan accordingly for ground freight delivery delays and supply chain disruptions. Consider alternative shipping methods for critical cargo until the protest ends and freight traffic returns to normal levels.