Kast defends historic fuel price hikes in Chile and faces initial protests
Chilean President José Antonio Kast defended this Thursday his decision to pass on the economic impact of the war in Iran to the population through a historic increase in fuel prices, more than 40% for gasoline and over 60% for diesel, amid initial protests and warnings of national mobilizations.
TL;DR
- President Kast justified historic fuel price increases (over 40% for gasoline, over 60% for diesel) as a way to avoid increasing national debt.
- The government presented palliative measures like freezing public transport fares and providing aid to taxi drivers.
- Critics argue these measures are insufficient, failing to address rising gas prices and the impact on overall logistics.
- Students protested the fuel price hike, and transport unions have warned of national mobilizations and traffic blockades.
- Kast urged protesters not to disrupt public transport and stated the state would respond with full force against violence, recalling the 2019 protests triggered by metro fare increases.