Global Fuel Price Hikes Spark Widespread Protests

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Global Fuel Price Hikes Spark Widespread Protests

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In Guatemala, protests against rising fuel costs, which began in late August 2026, have included road blockades and have led President Bernardo Arévalo to accuse criminal groups of exploitation.

Around the world, rising fuel prices are igniting widespread anger and protests. The surge in global crude oil prices, with Brent crude surpassing $100 a barrel in early September 2026, is largely attributed to ongoing conflicts in the Middle East, particularly the U.S.-Iran war, which has disrupted key shipping routes like the Strait of Hormuz. This has led to significant increases in the cost of refined products, especially diesel.

Syria has been particularly affected, with the government announcing fuel price hikes of approximately 9% to 40% on September 13, 2026. Diesel prices, for example, increased by 40% to 175 Syrian pounds per liter. The Syrian Energy Ministry cited higher global procurement costs and maintenance at the Baniyas refinery as reasons for the temporary measure. These price increases have sparked the most extensive protests in Syria since the fall of Bashar al-Assad’s regime in December 2024, with demonstrators burning tires and blocking major roads in cities like Aleppo, Idlib, and Deir Ezzor. Protesters have demanded a rollback of prices, with some calling for the dismissal of energy and economy ministers. The United Nations Development Programme estimates that 90% of Syrians live below the poverty line, intensifying the impact of these price hikes.

Guatemala has also experienced significant unrest. Protests against rising fuel prices and taxes have been ongoing since late August and intensified in September 2026, involving transport workers and indigenous organizations. Road blockades have disrupted traffic on major highways and in Guatemala City, impacting the movement of essential goods. President Bernardo Arévalo, who took office in January 2024, has responded by accusing local politicians and criminal groups of financing the blockades and exploiting public anger to destabilize his administration. His government has pledged measures to ease the impact of higher energy costs.

In Indonesia, while there have been past protests related to fuel price increases in June 2026, the government announced on September 15, 2026, that it would keep subsidized fuel prices unchanged until the end of the year, despite global crude oil prices reaching around $106 a barrel. Energy and Mineral Resources Minister Bahlil Lahadalia stated that the government would seek alternative sources for crude oil, including from African producers like Angola and Russia, to ensure stable supplies at competitive prices. The average crude oil prices in Indonesia from January to September 2026 stood at approximately $85-$90 a barrel.

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