Since September 16, mass protests have begun in Ecuador, organized by indigenous communities. The main demand of the protesters is the repeal of decrees No. 125-126. These decrees cancel subsidies for diesel fuel. Protesters say they will continue their resistance until the government's decision is reversed.

As a result, roadblocks have been reported across virtually the entire country. In the provinces of Carchi, Imbabura, Pichincha, and other regions strategically important for the flower industry, traffic has been partially or completely paralyzed. Protesters are setting up roadblocks, blocking highways, and slashing truck tires. This is causing delays in the delivery of flower products from farms to transport agencies.

Despite government statements that the subsidy abolition is final and irrevocable, the protests are gaining momentum. The Ministry of Infrastructure and Transportation is moving forward with an economic compensation plan. As of Monday evening, September 15, 1600 transporters had received compensation payments, but these measures have so far failed to calm tensions.

The flower business is one of the most vulnerable sectors amid such protests. This is because flowers require precise logistics and timely delivery to shipping agencies for subsequent air delivery.

Unfortunately, protests could negatively impact all participants in the flower supply chain:

• Risk of delivery delays. Trucks transporting cut flowers may not always reach freight forwarding agencies on time, which can affect the timely dispatch of shipments.
• Due to road blockages or damage to vehicles (such as flat tires), growers may be unable to deliver their products to shipping agencies in time. This may result in the inability to fulfill certain orders.
• Financial losses for farmers. Farms incur losses because flowers may not reach customers and may spoil.
• Changes in sales schedule. Forced to find alternative routes, farms are sending trucks significantly earlier than usual. Consequently, sales close earlier, on average between 9:00 and 9:30 AM Ecuadorian time.

Our team is in constant contact with farms and shipping agents in Ecuador and does everything possible to minimize risks and ensure stable supplies:

• Trucks leave farms much more earlier than usual
• Alternate delivery routes are sought
• Transport agencies expedite the processing of incoming flowers as much as possible.

However, due to full or partial road blockades, there is no 100% guarantee of timely delivery.

Customers who actively use the Daoflowers online platform for daily flower offers to complete their orders are advised to begin shopping at 7:00 AM Ecuadorian time. Most flower farms close their sales by 9:00–9:30 AM Ecuadorian time. Under current conditions, farms hope such a strategy will increase the likelihood of timely delivery of orders to shipping agencies.

Daoflowers is monitoring the situation and will keep customers informed of any changes.

We ask for your understanding regarding the possible consequences and hope that the situation will be resolved soon.