₹9 Fuel Price Hike Triggers Violent Protests in Angola, 22 Killed
The price of petrol was increased from 300 to 400 Kwanza per litre (approximately ₹29 to ₹38), after the government’s move to gradually withdraw fuel subsidies.
A decision by the government to hike fuel prices in oil-rich but economically struggling Angola has led to the deadliest wave of protests seen in recent years, resulting in at least 22 deaths and more than 1,200 arrests, as per a statement issued by President Joao Lourenco’s office on Wednesday, July 30.
The unrest began on July 1, when taxi drivers in the capital city, Luanda, launched a strike to oppose the sudden fuel price hike. Within 48 hours, the agitation intensified into widespread riots, with incidents of arson, looting, and violent clashes with law enforcement reported across at least six provinces. The military was called in after the police were unable to control the situation.
Shops remained closed, roads were empty, and armoured vehicles replaced regular traffic in multiple cities. According to government data, 197 people sustained injuries and 66 shops were vandalised or looted during the violence. In Lubango city in the south, a 16-year-old boy was allegedly shot dead by police while taking part in an attack on the ruling MPLA party’s office.
The protests are being seen not just as a reaction to the petrol hike, but as a broader expression of dissatisfaction with prolonged economic struggles and political grievances. “The government says youth are the future, but right now they are invisible,” said Daniel Pedro, a jobless schoolteacher in Luanda. “Unemployment and rising prices have made life unbearable.”
The cost of petrol was raised from 300 to 400 Kwanza per litre (around ₹29 to ₹38), as part of the government’s plan to gradually eliminate fuel subsidies. A similar subsidy cut for diesel earlier this month caused diesel prices to rise by more than 30%, resulting in minibus taxi fares going up by as much as 50%. The government maintains that this move, made based on recommendations from the International Monetary Fund, is essential to allocate more funds towards health and education.
However, the economic strain is being felt deeply by citizens. Angola’s annual inflation rate stands at nearly 20%, while unemployment is estimated at close to 30%. With the fuel price hike, daily expenses have gone beyond the reach of many among the country’s 36 million population.
The government’s response to the protests has faced strong criticism from human rights groups and opposition parties. Human Rights Watch accused Angolan police of using “excessive force” during what were mostly peaceful protests two weeks ago, alleging that police resorted to tear gas, rubber bullets, and physical assault on demonstrators. The government, in its defence, blamed “criminal elements” for taking over the protests and creating “a general environment of insecurity”.
Opposition parties, including UNITA and Bloco Democratico, criticised the government’s economic policies, calling them “insensitive to public hardship”. On Saturday, over 2,000 demonstrators gathered in Luanda, raising slogans against the ruling MPLA and President Lourenco. The MPLA has been in power since Angola gained independence from Portugal in 1975.
