Guatemala: Arévalo proposes a cap on diesel prices to calm protests

Guatemalan President Bernardo Arévalo has presented an initiative to Congress to cap diesel at $5.11 a gallon. The price of fuel currently exceeds six dollars and the almost 50% increase recorded in the last six months has triggered strikes and road blockades, driven above all by the hauliers' associations.

According to the bill, the State will cover the price difference with public funds paid directly to importers to keep the cost at the pump unchanged. "We believe it is a good proposal because it protects the end consumer," said the representative. The measure would remain in force throughout 2026, but will first have to pass the vote of deputies, where the executive does not hold a majority.

The intervention follows the failure of a previous subsidy approved two months ago and considered insufficient to calm the market. Meanwhile, protests will continue on Tuesday with a peaceful march promoted by the indigenous organization of the 48 Cantons of Totonicapán, adding further social pressure to the legislative debate.