QUITO, May 5 (Xinhua) -- Ecuador's capital Quito faced major transport disruptions on Tuesday after urban bus operators reduced service to press for higher fares amid rising diesel costs.

The city of over 3 million people woke up with no buses running. Transport unions said buses would operate only from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. local time.

Thousands of commuters were left stranded at crowded stops or were forced to walk long distances, while municipal systems, including the metro and public transport corridors, saw unusually high demand.

Jorge Yanez, a representative of the sector, said operators are seeking to raise the fare from 35 U.S. cents to 45 cents, arguing that the technical fare should exceed 65 cents because of higher operating costs.

Fare decisions fall under the authority of Quito's municipal government.

Diesel prices in Ecuador rose after the government removed fuel subsidies in September 2025, increasing the price per gallon from 1.8 dollars to 2.8 dollars. Since December, diesel prices have been adjusted monthly under a price-band system tied to international oil prices.

The price reached 2.96 dollars per gallon in April and could exceed 3.11 dollars in the next adjustment on May 12 if oil prices continue to rise, according to official projections. ■