Anti-government street protesters shut down Haiti's capital as the country plunged deeper into political and economic crises even as many prepared for the annual Carnival, normally a time of peaceful revelry.
The usually congested streets of the capital were largely deserted on Monday after opposition parties and a minibus drivers' union called a two-day general strike over high fuel prices.
Haiti has announced a 30 US cent price drop for a gallon of petrol but transport unions want it reduced by half.
Protest organisers warned residents to stay off the streets, saying those who ventured out would risk their lives.
Only minor incidents were reported. Police said they arrested 20 people and used tear gas to disperse a small group of university students. Local press reports said several people were injured in clashes in Port-au-Prince, but a police spokesman said he could not confirm the number.
Prime Minister Evans Paul called on state workers to show up for work but few did and most government offices were closed.