Protests over gas prices affect travelers at ports of entry

Traffic crossing into the US Tuesday morning was crammed into just one lane as protestors on the Mexican side of the border took to the streets. They are outraged over the sudden hike in gasoline prices.

On January 1, the Mexican government raised the cost of gasoline about eight-percent.

A 12-gallon fill-up in Mexico costs about three dollars more, and nine dollars more than it does in El Paso.

The reason behind the increase is the overhaul passed two years ago which allows for some private investment and ending more than seven decades of state monopoly over oil. The government admits that unfortunately coincided with rising world oil prices.

In just a few months, other companies will be allowed to begin importing and distributing in Mexico. That alone is projected to add another 20-percent to the cost of fuel.

“No creo que todos beneficien”, said Joel Loredo, a Chihuahua resident, meaning he doesn’t believe the protests benefit anyone. That was the general sentiment of people ABC-7 spoke with regarding the demonstrations over rising gas prices.

Berta Espinosa, a Chihuahua resident, said the cost of living will be much higher this year. But others said they were prepared for the increase. Carlos Villa from Chihuahua said he now fills up in the US, and not Mexico.

Others did admit the protest is a step in the right direction. Pepe Flores said, “The people in Mexico right now are getting tired of the lies. You know, so, I think this time coming around we have to act. We have to do something for our country.”

El Pasoans ABC-7 spoke with weren’t too worried that gas prices will rise on the US side of the border.

Tuesday’s protests weren’t confined to Juarez. More than 20 road and bridge blockades were reported across Mexico, leading to shipping delays and stranding bus travelers.

The company known as Pemex said Tuesday that “if these blockades and attacks continue, the supply of gasoline and diesel for consumers will be seriously affected.” The company said some politicians and activist groups have encouraged supporters to “detain and attack tanker truck drivers” at distribution terminals.

Pemex also said it “condemns that acts of violence that have caused damages at several gas stations.”

Protesters want the government to cut federal taxes that account for about a quarter of the price of gasoline.