Fuel pumps across Chile are running dry as drivers rush to fill up before prices jump by as much as 54% Thursday. Long lines have formed at gas stations nationwide, with some stations already depleted of fuel. The sudden price surge has sparked widespread frustration among motorists facing sharply higher transportation costs.

Angered by the fuel price hikes, some Chileans on Wednesday evening banged pots while student protests briefly shut a key metro line in the capital Santiago. The protests highlight growing public anger over the government's handling of the crisis. President Kast's administration faces mounting pressure as supporters begin to balk at the economic impact of the fuel increases.

The fuel crisis represents a significant political challenge for Kast's government, testing his ability to manage economic pressures while maintaining public support. With transportation costs set to spike, businesses and consumers alike are bracing for the ripple effects across the Chilean economy. The administration must now navigate between addressing immediate fuel shortages and managing the political fallout from the price increases.