Upon the beginning of the new year, gasoline prices in Mexico experienced a 20 percent increase, leading to protesting and blockading of highways and gas stations within the country.

This cease in sales of gasoline directly affects junior Esgar Cano, as he and his family spent the winter break visiting family in Chihuahua.

Esgar’s cousin, junior Dago Cano, said that Esgar and his family had planned to return to the states on Tuesday, but because they cannot find gas, are left with no choice but to remain in Mexico.

“I’ve just been calling my grandma and talking to her,” Dago said. “She said that the gas stations in Chihuahua are not open or selling because prices went up.”

This price spike, as mentioned, has led to widespread protesting in which those opposed to the raise in price have completely blockaded highways and gas stations within Mexico.

Traffic on highways in the Mexican state of Chihuahua is currently at a standstill due to the blockades.

Prices for a liter of gasoline in Mexico has increased to roughly 90 cents. This means that four liters (about a gallon) of gas costs $4—which happens to be the minimum wage for a day’s work in Mexico.

The most recent development of this gasoline price hike has been the looting of gas stations and other stores in protest. According to an article by the New York Times, 79 stores in central Mexico have been looted and 170 have been blockaded.

If the blockading of roads is continued, operations at airports in Chihuahua and Baja California could potentially be affected, further preventing individuals like Esgar and his family from leaving the country.

With the protests only gaining momentum, it is uncertain at this time as to when Esgar and his family will be able to return to the states.

“I have no clue when they will be back to be honest,” Dago said. “Right now it looks like they’re just going to have to wait it out.”

18lgregory@usd489.com