Port-au-PrinceAt least three people were killed in this capital during protests against the increase in fuel prices, a measure approved by the Haitian government and enforced today, Prensa Latina reports.

The main avenues of Port-au-Prince were blocked for more than six hours yesterday with barricades of burning tires and other objects that prevented the traffic of vehicles and passers-by.

Users in social networks denounced the impossibility of leaving their work centers due to the violence unleashed in the city, and requested police assistance to go home.

A video on Twitter showed the state of a vehicle dealer that was targeted by the fury of the protesters, who broke windows and windshields.

Opposition groups announced other mobilizations on Saturday to protest against the increase of up to 51 percent in the price of gasoline, oil and kerosene, a decision that respects the government agreements signed last February with the International Monetary Fund.

According to the press release from the ministries of Economy and Finance (MEF) and Commerce and Industry, the prices of gasoline, oil and kerosene will increase to 309, 264 and 262 gourdes (4.64, 3.97 and 3,94 dollars), respectively, an increase between 85 and 89 gourdes (1.28 and 1.3 dollars), compared to the previous prices.

Although the current administration also announced the increase in social projects, the opposition says that it will not be enough to lessen the impact on the most disadvantaged population.

The government, for its part, continues to defend the rise and says it cannot continue to subsidize oil products 'because the situation is unsustainable.'

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