Gang retaliation after a security operation in Gros-Morne has disrupted the movement of goods and fuel on National Road 5, pushing up prices across Haiti's Northwest, merchants and transporters told the Haitian Times.

The 44-mile road links the Northwest to Gonaïves and, through National Road 1, to the rest of the country. Since the September 28 operation, suspected members of the Kokorat San Ras gang have tightened control of their checkpoints. Some trucks have been held for days even after paying the tolls demanded.

“We are forced to sell our products at higher prices to cover transportation costs, especially since we also have to pay fees at the reinforced gang-controlled checkpoints,” said Kerline Pierre, 29, a grocery merchant in Port-de-Paix.

Vendor Jasmide Nordé said a 55-pound bag of rice that sold for 3,500 gourdes now costs 4,000, a bag of beans has gone from 5,500 to 6,250 gourdes, and a gallon of cooking oil from 1,200 to 1,500 gourdes.

Fuel is scarce too. Tankers coming from Port-au-Prince have been stranded on the route. “We are forced to buy a gallon of gas on the informal market from street vendors at prices as high as 1,500 gourdes,” said truck driver Dinel Oscar, 45, about twice the official price of 700 gourdes.

Some businesses have closed for days. “It's extremely difficult to feed our children,” said Lorna Vilcin, a mother of 38. Authorities say they plan to set up a permanent police and Gang Suppression Force base near Gros-Morne.