[Iran Press TV] Thousands of demonstrators have taken to the streets across Bolivia to protest the recent jump in fuel prices in the country.Protesters marched through the streets in capital La Paz and other cities across Bolivia on Thursday, demanding from the government of President Evo Morales to repeal the hike.
The demonstration in La Paz started peacefully but turned violent after police prevented protesters from entering the main plaza where the presidential palace is located, AP reported.
Police used tear gas to disperse protesters that blocked main roads in urban centers and attacked public property.
This comes as a public transport strike continues to paralyze daily life in several cities. A walkout in La Paz has brought public transportation in the Bolivian capital to a complete standstill.
The jump in prices was announced suddenly on Sunday, with gasoline prices jumping 73 percent and diesel prices soaring by 83 percent. The move has led to a rapid increase in food and transport prices across the country.
Fuel prices were kept fixed for six years in Bolivia, but the government says it can no longer subsidize them, especially since much of the fuel is smuggled to neighboring countries. It also describes the measure as a vital tool to cut imports and spur investment in oil output.
Morales' government, on the other hand, has announced plans for mitigating the economic effects of the move, including a 20-percent increase in the salary of public workers and new assistance to rice, corn and wheat farmers.