Peru: Government orders curfew in Lima following disruptive transportation strike early April 5 /update 5

Event

President Pedro Castillo announced a curfew in Lima and Callao early April 5 following disruptive protests denouncing an increase in fuel prices and other economic conditions. All movement will be restricted 02:00-23:59; demonstrations will not be allowed during the curfew hours. Additional security personnel will likely be deployed to enforce the measure. Authorities may extend the curfew if the disruptive protests continue.

Major unrest is likely to persist across Peru. Government buildings, major thoroughfares, transport hubs, and city centers are likely gathering areas. Security personnel will almost certainly deploy to manage any such gatherings; clashes between police and protesters are likely. Some supermarkets in Lima have reported shortages of certain goods. Further shortages are possible if the truck driver's strike persists and protests continue to cause overland travel disruptions.

Context

Various transport unions, including the National Association of Freight Carriers, launched a nationwide strike March 28 to denounce high fuel costs. Since then, other transport workers, such as taxi and bus drivers, and trade unions are also staging protests. Demonstrators have blocked the Pan-American Highway throughout much of the country, with striking workers attacking buses not adhering to the strike and private vehicles attempting to drive through roadblocks. Looting has been reported in several major cities, including Lima, leading some stores and banks to close. Violence is also occurring at protest sites, with at least four people killed since the start of the strike.

Advice

Consult with trusted contacts to monitor developments. Prepare for possible shortages if the strike is protracted or gains wider support. Avoid all protests as a standard precaution. Plan for possible road travel delays near protest sites.