Daily coverage from across the country, written for the expat community
Ecuador’s monthly fuel price band adjusted at midnight. Extra and Ecopaís gasoline rose to $2.76/gallon, Súper Premium dropped to $3.19, and diesel barely moved at $2.70. The new prices hold through March 11.
The ACLED Conflict Watchlist 2026 ranks Ecuador among the planet’s most dangerous nations. Over 3,600 people died from organized crime violence in 2025 — a 42% increase — and 71% of the population was exposed to criminal violence, the highest rate in Latin America.
The National Assembly approved the Organic Law for Strengthening Cybersecurity with 82 votes. The law requires mandatory cybersecurity education in schools, establishes incident reporting obligations for organizations, and aligns Ecuador with international standards like ISO 27000 and the Budapest Convention.
Ecuador’s TB crisis went from bad to alarming in 2025. Deaths jumped 127%, confirmed cases rose 67% to 9,142, and health experts warn this is no longer just a prison problem — community transmission is driving the surge.
LATAM Cargo and Avianca transported over 40,000 tons of roses from Ecuador for Valentine’s Day 2026 — the country’s biggest annual flower export event. Ecuador is the world’s third-largest flower exporter, and February is the industry’s Super Bowl.
Several indigenous organizations have announced a formal legal process to revoke President Daniel Noboa’s mandate, citing unfulfilled commitments and growing social discontent. The recall faces steep constitutional hurdles but signals deepening political tensions.
EP Petroecuador reported field production of approximately 370,000 barrels per day in January 2026, with the Sacha and Auca blocks leading output. While below peak levels, the steady numbers support government revenue forecasts and reduce the risk of mid-year austerity cuts.
Vice President María José Pinto launched Ecuador's 2026 National Dengue Plan and Gran Minga Comunitaria, targeting 1,532 critical sectors across seven provinces that accounted for 40% of last year's cases. Rainy season interventions begin immediately in Esmeraldas, Guayas, Santa Elena, Manabí, El Oro, Napo, and Pastaza.
Ecuador's health regulator ARCSA ordered the preventive withdrawal of 34 lots of Alula Gold Premium infant formula after an international alert flagged possible contamination with cereulide, a bacterial toxin that causes digestive illness. No health effects have been reported in Ecuador.
Ecuarunari's new president Leonidas Iza announced that indigenous organizations will formally pursue a mandate revocation against President Daniel Noboa, citing broken promises and growing social discontent. The constitutional process requires over two million signatures and cannot begin until May 2026.
Airport fees at José Joaquín de Olmedo International Airport increased on February 1 under a 2004 concession contract. International departures now cost $41.14 per passenger. Here's what changed and how Ecuador compares regionally.
President Noboa declared a fresh state of emergency on January 2 covering nine provinces and three municipalities after a mass shooting in Manta. Military operations target Los Lobos, Los Choneros, and Los Tiguerones. Here's what it means for daily life.
