News / Mexico

Mexicans once again protest gas price hike

Wednesday, 01 February 2017 10:19 AM [ Last Update: Wednesday, 01 February 2017 11:52 AM ]

A man carries a sign during a protest against fuel price hikes in Mexico City, Mexico, January 31, 2017. (Photo by Reuters)

Thousands of Mexicans have once again taken to the streets of the capital, Mexico City, to protest a recent gas price increase.

Angry Mexicans took to the streets on Wednesday to protest President Enrique Pena Nieto’s decision to increase gasoline prices by 20 percent.

The protesters chanted anti-government slogans and called on authorities to roll back plans for the gas price hikes. They also held the president responsible for having failed to improve living standards.

The decision, which took effect on January 1, is deemed unjustified by opponents, who argue that the country enjoys vast resources of oil and should not have to pay high prices for gasoline, a petroleum product.

Pena Nieto, on the other hand, has defended the price hike by saying that it is necessary to put an end to an unfair subsidy program for the wealthy and that it conforms to a policy of the gradual liberalization of fuel prices.

The policy was initially planned to be adopted in 2018, but the government decided to launch it sooner.

Numerous protests have been held against the gasoline price hike since it was announced, with protesters blocking roads and gas stations. Around 1,500 people were arrested and several people were killed in the street violence.

Press TV’s website can also be accessed at the following alternate addresses:

www.presstv.co.uk