Angola fuel price protests erupt in violence

Photo: Reuters Angola

Protests in Angola’s capital over a 33% diesel price hike on 1 July escalated into violence on 28 July. The government’s subsidy cuts, aimed at reducing fiscal burdens, sparked unrest—including looting, street blockades, and clashes with police.

Reuters reports that at least four people were killed, including a police officer, and more than 500 arrested as police used tear gas, smoke grenades, and gunfire into the air to restore order. Shops, banks, vehicles, and buses were vandalised. The Novo Jornal newspaper confirmed the deaths on its website.

Minibus taxi operators joined a three-day strike, increasing fares by up to 50%, further disrupting transport. The price hike lifted diesel from 300 to 400 kwanzas per litre ($0.33 to $0.44)—a move projected to reduce Angola’s fuel subsidy bill (4% of GDP in 2024) but leaving many low-income citizens strained.