Global General

Bolivia hikes gasoline prices 73%; protests hit

(Agencies)
Updated: 2010-12-27 13:05
Large Medium Small

Bolivia hikes gasoline prices 73%; protests hit
People gather to protest at a fuel station in La Paz Dec 26, 2010. [Photo/Agencies]

LA PAZ, Bolivia - Bolivia's government is abruptly raising gasoline prices by 73 percent, ending a six-year span in which they were frozen.

Related readings:
Bolivia hikes gasoline prices 73%; protests hit Fuel hikes reflect market
Bolivia hikes gasoline prices 73%; protests hit China raises gasoline, diesel prices amid inflation pressure
Bolivia hikes gasoline prices 73%; protests hit Gasoline, diesel prices rise
Bolivia hikes gasoline prices 73%; protests hit Oil falls to near $77 on unexpected US supply jump
Drivers today are paying about 92 cents a liter ($3.48 a gallon) for regular gasoline, up from 50 cents ($1.89). Diesel has jumped to 97 cents a liter ($3.67 a gallon) from about 50 cents.

Vice President Alvaro Garcia says the measure fights gasoline smuggling to neighboring countries.

But protests already have erupted. Bus drivers say they will start an indefinite strike at midnight. And teachers say they will start street demonstrations.

Garcia says the state was paying $380 million a year to subsidize gasoline imports and much of it was being shipped abroad by smugglers.

   Previous Page 1 2 Next Page