Mexico fuel protests descend into chaos

MEXICO CITY, January 5, 2017 – Anger over the increase in petrol prices in Mexico led to looting in various parts of the country on Wednesday, with blockades continuing.

According to figures from the National Association of Self-Service and Department Stores of Mexico, 79 petrol stations have been looted to date. In added that 170 outlets were now either closed or inaccessible due to blockades. Police have detained more than 250 individuals so far.

The protests on Wednesday prompted a statement by President Enrique Peña Nieto, elaborating on the reasons behind the price hike. “If this decision had not been taken, the effects and consequences would have been far more painful.”

The government last week announced it would abandon regulated prices and transition to market-set fuel prices. Expectations are that the cost of fuel will increase by more than 20% over the year.

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