Feeling the Heat

Fuel prices have risen 40 percent since the start of the year.

Skyrocketing fuel prices make people angry. How angry you ask?

  • Truck drivers in Spain started an indefinite strike on Monday, threatening to bring the entire country to a standstill. A growing number of gas stations have reported to have run out of fuel as a result, and supplies of fresh food are running low.
  • From Portugal to Italy, commercial fishermen have protested rising fuel prices by blockading ports and refineries
  • Last Thursday, more than 500 motorcyclists staged a “go-slow” demonstration outside Manchester, UK.
  • Over in Asia, angry Indian consumers burned tires and blocked traffic after the government raised fuel prices. The protests shut down schools and businesses in West Bengal State.
  • In Hong Kong, 500 buses and trucks colluded to bring traffic to a standstill in the central city.
  • Enraged by the government’s recent 41-percent fuel price hike, Malaysians have planned a nationwide strike and a major demonstration in Kuala Lumpur on July 12.
  • Truck drivers in Thailand are threatening to wreak traffic-havoc next week by clogging the roads with 400,000 trucks.
  • In South Korea, truck drivers threatened to strike on Monday, ignoring the $10.2 billion government aid package designed to cushion the impact of soaring fuel prices.

What other angry reactions have you heard about?

Comments

in PNG

FUEL RISE

The hike in fuel prices has added extra costs to the South Pacific people's cost of living as a result they want a wage increase and are threatening to go on strike. This is making it very hard for the employers of small buisnesses to large commercial
co-operation because all there running cost have increased as well .Its time to face reality and realise that Oil is going to run out and we won't be able to cope with demand. Other alternatives is 1 car per family ,more public transport, No luxury boats that use up litres of fuel for entertainment.No fuel guzzling cars. Walk to the shop,school etc.....if its within reasonable distance (great way to solve the obesity problem).I could go on but I think we all know what will happen it we don't take action soon.

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Breaking News

Despite High Gas Prices, Europeans Find Driving a Hard Habit to Break

International Herald Tribune - Fri, 08/29/2008 - 11:26
That raises questions as to how effective high prices by themselves can be in achieving the ambitious targets for reducing carbon dioxide emissions that European leaders have committed themselves to meeting.

Japan Unveils $16.5 Billion Economic Stimulus Plan

International Herald Tribune - Fri, 08/29/2008 - 11:26
The package will include income tax cuts, financial aid to businesses and discounts for expressway tolls, Kyodo News reported, citing lawmakers.

Israel-Palestine: Scheme to give Israelis "wet jobs" in construction in place of Palestinians

IRIN News - Fri, 08/29/2008 - 12:44
If the Israeli Ministry of Finance manages to push through some reforms as part of the proposed 2009 budget, there may soon be almost no Palestinian workers in Israel's construction sector.

Asia Seeks Its Own Trade Deals

Wall Street Journal - Thu, 08/28/2008 - 19:45
Southeast Asian nations reached free-trade agreements with India, Australia and New Zealand and aimed to seal an investment pact with China.

Malawi: Cheer and Concern Over Ban on Private Sale of Maize

IRIN News - Fri, 08/29/2008 - 01:44
Ordinary Malawians, cheered by the prospect of cheaper food, have welcomed government's ban on the private trading of maize, but food security experts and businesses have expressed concern.

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