Protests Erupt in Haiti Amid Rising Oil Prices and Economic Strain

On April 10, 2026, over 1,000 workers protested in Port-au-Prince, Haiti, demanding higher minimum wages in response to surging oil prices linked to the ongoing conflict in Iran. The protest took place outside the Metropolitan Industrial Park, known as Sonapi, where workers expressed their frustration over stagnant wages since 2023. With the Haitian government recently increasing diesel prices by 37% and gasoline prices by 29%, many workers can no longer afford basic necessities. Marc Jean Jean-Pierre, a factory worker, highlighted the dire situation, stating, “A gallon of gas is higher than our minimum salary,” as he struggles to support his family on a daily wage of 685 Haitian gourdes ($5.23).

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The conflict in Iran has led to a significant spike in oil prices, severely impacting Haiti, the poorest country in the Western Hemisphere. The price hikes have disrupted supply chains, doubled transportation costs, and exacerbated food insecurity for millions. Erwan Rumen, deputy country director for the United Nations World Food Program in Haiti, noted that nearly half of Haiti's population faces acute food insecurity, with rising oil prices threatening to deepen the humanitarian crisis. The government’s recent price increases have forced many families to cut back on meals, as they struggle to afford basic goods.

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Protesters voiced their determination to continue demonstrating until their demands are met. Maxime Excellence, a factory janitor, emphasized the need for immediate action from the government, stating, “We can barely make ends meet with what we’re living on.” James Cardichon, another factory worker, echoed this sentiment, calling for a revolution to address the dire conditions faced by workers. Meanwhile, street vendors and market sellers like Fedline Jean-Pierre are also feeling the pinch, as rising transportation costs lead to increased prices for goods, further straining household budgets.

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Critics of the Haitian government have expressed frustration over unfulfilled promises to improve the economic situation. Cardichon lamented, “We are tired of promises,” urging officials to take swift action. The ongoing gang violence complicates the situation, as armed groups control key transportation routes, driving up costs and limiting access to essential goods. Emmline Toussaint, coordinator of a school-feeding program, reported that fuel prices in some areas are 25% to 30% higher than government rates due to these disruptions.

The combination of rising oil prices, economic contraction, and gang violence is pushing Haiti into a deeper humanitarian crisis. With inflation reaching 32% and the economy contracting for the seventh consecutive year, families are facing impossible choices between food, transportation, and basic services. Allen Joseph from Mercy Corps warned that the rising costs will severely impact access to potable water and other essential services, stating, “This is not an abstract inflation; it will directly impact survival.” As protests continue, the situation remains precarious for many Haitians struggling to meet their daily needs.