Fuel shortage sparks protests in Mongolia

Fuel shortages and rising prices have sparked protests across Mongolia, with hundreds gathering at Sukhbaatar Square in Ulaanbaatar on Oct. 1. Drivers staged the demonstration by stopping their cars on both sides of the square and sounding horns, joined by students, elderly people and representatives of different age groups. Organizers cited a broad range of grievances beyond fuel supply, including taxes, rising food prices, increases in electricity, heating and water tariffs, declining household incomes, and what protesters described as excessive government spending. Some said the international situation may partly explain the shortages but argued external factors cannot justify the crisis. While the government says it is taking necessary measures, prices for everyday consumer goods continued to climb, and inflation has further strained household finances.