Many protesters on June 2 cried and chanted “We need food.” Witnesses said the protests quickly spread to long lines at local stores after some tried to hijack food trucks.

"I've been here since 8am. There's no food in the shops and supermarkets. We're so hungry and tired," one woman said.

Protesters on the streets of Venezuela on June 2. Photo: AP

Protesters heading towards Miraflores Palace in Caracas were stopped by National Guard and police. Security forces also blocked a main road to prevent the crowd from getting too excited. In the chaotic scene, some journalists said they were robbed.

According to Reuters, this is the latest street violence in Venezuela during a period of deep economic crisis. In the country known as the "oil paradise", Venezuelans are living in a state of shortages of all kinds, from food to essential goods such as milk, sugar, medicine...

Venezuela's Economy Minister, Miguel Perez, acknowledged the difficulties the country's people are going through, while pledging that the situation will improve.

"We know the situation this month is very serious. It is the month when supplies are at their lowest and that is why families are worried. We are sure things will improve in the coming weeks," he said.

The Venezuelan government says the plight of its people is the result of an “economic war” waged by the U.S. government. However, most economists say Venezuela is suffering from years of economic mismanagement, including an overreliance on oil prices.

According to Zing