A nationwide strike led by Ecuador’s most powerful Indigenous organization has paralyzed much of the country for two weeks, as protesters block highways and march through major cities in opposition to President Daniel Noboa’s decision to end diesel fuel subsidies.
Church groups, labor unions, and civic movements have joined the Confederation of Indigenous Nationalities of Ecuador (CONAIE) in what has become one of the largest demonstrations since Noboa took office.
The government’s decision to raise diesel prices from US$1.80 to US$2.80 per gallon has triggered widespread public backlash. Critics warn the measure will not only increase fuel costs but also drive up the prices of food and essential goods.
“There is broad discontent with Noboa’s administration, but the Indigenous movement has taken the lead because they are more organized,” said Father Salvador Calva Zamora, a vicar in Yacuambi and a Church communicator.
Bishop José Adalberto Jiménez of the Aguarico Vicariate said the price hike has hit small rural producers, truck drivers, and daily commuters hardest. “The impacts have been generalized,” he told Crux, adding that Noboa’s decision contradicts his earlier campaign promise not to raise fuel prices.
President Noboa has argued that cutting fuel subsidies will deter smugglers and illegal miners. But Church leaders dismiss that reasoning. “The smugglers will keep stealing diesel — they’ll just sell it for more,” Fr. Calva said.
Protesters have also linked the fuel decision to broader environmental grievances. Indigenous communities accuse the government of approving mining and oil projects without local consent.
Earlier this year, tens of thousands marched in Cuenca against a proposed mine near vital river sources — a protest that forced the government to revoke the project’s license.
The government has declared a state of emergency in 10 provinces, expanding military powers and intensifying the crackdown.
At least 150 people have been injured, and one protester, Efraín Fuerez, 47, was shot dead on Sept. 28 in Imbabura Province. Over 100 demonstrators have been arrested, while journalists report harassment and assaults by police. Spanish reporter Bernat-Lautaro Bidegain was detained and deported on Oct. 5 without being allowed contact with his embassy.
Two days later, Noboa’s motorcade was struck by rocks and gunfire during a protest in Cañar; no one was hurt. “There has been power abuse on many occasions. The government even blocked the bank accounts of movement leaders. There’s a dictatorial tendency in that administration,” Fr. Calva alleged.
The Ecuadorian Bishops’ Conference last week appealed for “dialogue and peace,” while many clergy members have joined protesters in the streets.
However, President Noboa has refused to negotiate, labeling the demonstrators “terrorists.”
Fr. Calva said missionaries are providing food, spiritual support, and medical aid to demonstrators. “Of course, it’s important to encourage dialogue,” he said, “but the bishops should also issue a prophetic message, siding with the poor. Otherwise, the Church will only calm the fire, not end the injustice.”
Bishop Jiménez warned that Noboa risks repeating history by underestimating the Indigenous movement’s strength. “He failed to understand how powerful and organized they are — they have made presidents resign before,” he said.
As tensions escalate, Church leaders continue to call for restraint, warning that the crisis could spiral further without genuine dialogue.
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