Looters Storm Mexico Wal-Mart, Chedraui Stores on Gas Hike
- Protesters are angry about government’s 20% increase
- Looting has been reported since Tuesday night in 7 states
People pick up toys as they loot a store during a protest in the port of Veracruz, Mexico, on Jan. 4, 2017, related to a 20 percent gasoline price increase.
Photographer: ILSE HUESCA/AFP/Getty ImagesThis article is for subscribers only.
Looters sacked at least 250 stores across seven Mexican states, reflecting growing unrest over a 20 percent hike in gasoline prices.
Wal-Mart de Mexico SAB, Grupo Comercial Chedraui SAB, Grupo Elektra and Organizacion Soriana SAB stores were among those targeted this week in a wave of anger about the “gasolinazo,” or fuel-price slam. Looting, preemptive store closings and trucks robberies have been widely reported in local press and social media since Tuesday night.