Four people were killed and hundreds arrested in Angola following violent protests that erupted after the government announced a diesel price increase, a move aimed at reducing the fuel subsidy burden on the national budget.

The capital, Luanda, and other cities witnessed looting and clashes, during which police used tear gas and smoke bombs, and fired shots into the air to disperse protesters and restore order.

Angola is one of Africa’s largest oil producers, but the worsening economic crisis has led authorities to cut subsidies, sparking public outrage.