Haiti: Protests over fuel shortages, price hikes likely to continue in Port-au-Prince into mid-July /update 1

Event

Further civil unrest is likely in and around Port-au-Prince over the coming days following protests that broke out in the city on July 13 over fuel shortages and price hikes. Protests initially erupted near the Airport Intersection in the Delmas neighborhood before expanding toward Petion-Ville. Demonstrations have also taken place in Canape Vert. Fuel prices in the country have increased from HTG 250 to HTG 1,500 since July 6; the situation is largely due to the fact that recent criminal gang activity has forced the Varreaux Petroleum Terminal in the Cite Soleil borough to suspend operations.

Authorities will almost certainly deploy a heavy security presence in protest-affected areas until the unrest abates. Business and transport disruptions are likely. Sporadic clashes and other incidents of violence, including vandalism, are also likely.

Context

Criminal violence in Port-au-Prince erupted July 8, aggravating existing fuel distribution problems as clashes left the Varreux terminal and surrounding areas besieged by armed gangs. The volatile situation ultimately forced the facility to suspend operations; about 50 people have reportedly been killed since the gang violence began. The significant increase in fuel prices and the lack of government response to the gang activity have caused a spike in public frustration, leading to the most recent spate of street protests.

As yet, the Haitian Government has not reacted to the gang violence blocking Varreux terminal. Until the violence in Cite Soleil is reduced, local fuel operations and fuel delivery will continue to be delayed.

Advice

Exercise heightened personal vigilance until the situation in Port-au-Prince stabilizes; keep away from areas known to be affected by recent increases in criminal activity and refrain from non-essential travel. Avoid areas where police or other security forces appear to be deploying. Confirm all shipments through Varreux Terminal. Arrange alternative transport and re-route time-sensitive shipments as necessary. Plan accordingly for lingering shipping disruptions after normal port operations resume.

Avoid any demonstrations that may materialize. Do not attempt to drive through roadblocks or protester groups. Confirm all appointments. Heed the instructions of local authorities.