Myanmar’s military regime has faced five weeks of peaceful protests that were sparked by a massive increase in fuel prices in August.

Over the last week, Buddhist monks have emerged at the forefront of the protest movement, with thousands taking to the streets in the main city Yangon and in towns across the country.

Following is a timeline of the protests, which have become the biggest challenge to the ruling junta in nearly two decades:

August 15: Myanmar’s military rulers slash fuel subsidies, sending prices rising by as much as five-fold. Buses immediately double their fares, leaving many unable to afford to get to their jobs.

August 19: Hundreds of people, led by former student activists who spearheaded a 1988 pro-democracy uprising, march in Yangon against the price hike.

August 21: Min Ko Naing, the nation’s top democracy leader after Aung San Suu Kyi, is arrested along with six other activists over the protests. At least 150 people are arrested in the following days, according to Amnesty International.

August 28: Hundreds of Buddhist monks stage their first march in the western oil town of Sittwe.

September 5: Soldiers fire warning shots and pro-junta militia beat monks who were marching through the town of Pakokku, 500 kilometres (300 miles) north of Yangon.

September 6: Monks in Pakokku hold 20 government officials hostage for up to six hours in anger over the beatings.

September 18: Thousands of chanting monks march in Yangon and other towns, beginning a daily series of protests that draws thousands of supporters into the streets despite sometimes torrential rains.

September 21: About 3,000 people, including 1,500 monks, march through Yangon in the biggest protest yet.

September 22: Armed guards allow 2,000 people, including 1,000 monks, to pray outside the home of Aung San Suu Kyi, who emerges from her lakeside house to greet them in a landmark moment for the protest movement.

September 23: Monks urge the public to begin nationwide prayer vigils.