Global Energy Crunch Ignites Street Protests Across Multiple Continents Amid Middle East Conflict
Photo: Collected
Global energy prices driven by surging conflict across the Middle East have sparked widespread street protests and economic distress in both developing and developed nations, as the effective closure of vital maritime trade corridors pushes crude past 100 dollars per barrel.
The crisis stems from the effective shutdown of the strategic Strait of Hormuz following the outbreak of the Iran war on February 28. Although prices temporarily eased after initial record highs, renewed tensions surrounding the Bab el-Mandeb strait have driven costs above the 100-dollar threshold per barrel.
The fallout has triggered acute fuel shortages in Indonesia. In Jakarta, motorists have been forced to push motorcycles as long queues form outside petrol stations. Amid government restrictions limiting fuel sales based on even and odd vehicle license plate numbers, taxi drivers staged protests on Monday. Tensions also escalated in Java's Yogyakarta, where students demonstrated against the price hikes.
In the Philippines, fishermen operating diesel- and gas-powered boats in Manila Bay have been grounded despite the post-monsoon fishing season opening this week, paralyzed by soaring fuel costs. Fernando Hicap, chairman of a fisherfolk organization, stated that fuel prices have created a suffocating situation for workers.
Public backlash was immediate in Syria after the government announced a temporary fuel price hike of up to 40 percent. Massive protests erupted across various cities on Sunday and Monday, featuring halted traffic, burning tires, and threats of self-immolation by citizens. The Syrian government defended the move, stating it had no alternative due to wartime pressures.
In Sri Lanka, where the government sets monthly fuel prices, suppliers have begun restricting distribution at petrol stations anticipating future price increases. Kumara Rajapakse, chairman of the petrol station owners' association, told journalists on Monday that operators are conducting business at a loss.
Latin American agricultural workers have also mobilized, relying heavily on diesel to power tractors. Transport workers and indigenous rights activists recently marched in Guatemala City, while subsequent video footage from Villa Nueva, south of the capital, showed burning vehicles on roadways.
In Europe, Portuguese motorists protested last week by driving slowly and honking horns, causing severe traffic congestion on major routes, including the 25 de April Bridge in the capital city of Lisbon.
Naomi Hossain, a professor at SOAS University of London, noted that centrist governments worldwide are struggling to shield populations from these crises, largely lacking practical alternatives. One major consequence of this failure is the further strengthening of populism.
