Hundreds of Gas Stations Closed, Six Dead in Mexican Protest of 'El Gasolinazo' CNN
go to original February 8, 2017

Donald Trumps policies may be a threat to the Mexican economy, but rising gas prices are the more immediate problem. Now, thousands of Mexicans are protesting fuel spikes. (CNN Money)

Mexicans are protesting by the thousands, looting and even forcing the U.S. to temporarily close the border.

They’re marching against huge gas price increases — dubbed “el gasolinazo” — that went into effect in early January. As part of a plan to deregulate prices and cut back on subsidies, the Mexican government raised gas prices, up to 20 percent in some locations.

The hike led to violent protests throughout the country, leaving at least six dead and 1,500 arrested. Hundreds of gas stations also closed down for fear of looting.

“What Trump is doing doesn’t shake us…El gasolinazo concerns us,” says Fernando Mejia Ortiz, a painter from Cabo San Lucas, who was visiting Mexico City with his wife Eva.

Prices were supposed to go up again on February 3, but the increase was suspended after protests and social backlash emerged. The Mexican government decided to delay the second price increase to February 18, citing the volatility in international oil prices as one of the main reasons.

...Over the weekend, Mexicans continued to protest, taking to the streets in Mexico City and other towns. In the border town of Tijuana, protests got so out of hand that U.S. officials decided to temporarily close the border.

It’s an especially tough time for Mexicans, because their currency, the peso, has fallen in value to record low levels. It’s declined 11 percent since Donald Trump won the U.S. presidential election.

Food prices have also gone up as a result of the gas price hikes, as companies charge more to transport food and goods. Local media reported in January that food prices have increased in 17 of Mexico’s 31 states, with price of eggs going up 16 percent overnight.

Read the rest at Fox43.com

Related: Mexico's Biggest Fear Right Now Is Not Donald Trump, It's Gas Prices (Cable News Network)

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