At the end of October, fuel in Brazil had another adjustment. Since the beginning of the year and across the country, the price rise has surpassed more than 70%. In the state of Pará, in the northern Brazilian region, in addition to affecting people who use land transport, the measure also affects those who use rivers as a means of survival.
"I’m from Marajo, the city of Cachoeira do Arari. Four people: me, my wife, and my kids. The fuel price increased too much; our expenses increased too. In Marajó, it is 9 reais per liter of gasoline; before the recent rise in fuel prices, it was 5 reais, so the price almost doubled. We used to charge 36 dollars for the crossing; now, we are charging between 70 and 90 dollars. Sometimes it’s even financially harmful to us to make this trip", says Vladimir Silva, a riverside dweller from Cachoeira do Arari
The current price policy for the fuel sector in Brazil was adopted in 2016 by the government of former president Michel Temer. The Bolsonaro government maintained the decision. The so-called PPI, Import Parity Price, links the fuel price in Brazil to the international market, even if the production is Brazilian.
Also on this week’s program: November is Brazil’s Black Consciousness month. To celebrate the date, we will listen to rapper, singer, and songwriter Leandro Roque de Oliveira, better known as Emicida. Born in a periphery of São Paulo, Emicida is considered one of Brazil’s greatest hip-hop artists of the 2000s.
All What's Happening in Brazil episodes are available at Brasil de Fato's YouTube channel, where you'll also find a special English-content playlist. Partners who wish to include a longer version of the show in their schedule may contact our international team at [email protected].
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